Our New Board Member, Business Immigration & Global Mobility Attorney, Shaun Staller, Works at the Core of What BABC is About

Core to the mission of BABC is the promotion of commerce, investment and business transactions between the United Kingdom and Southeastern Pennsylvania. In light of this, we are thrilled to introduce our new Board Member, Shaun Staller, who is a Business Immigration & Global Mobility attorney with the law firm Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, LLC.

Shaun is no stranger to cross-border life, having lived in Barcelona, Spain, for over 3 years, where he obtained a Master’s degree in International Relations, before returning to the U.S. to pursue his legal career (he speaks Spanish too!). As such, he understands the importance and nuance of understanding the culture of a business and its people and remaining authentic to that in a globalized world.

While technological advancements have streamlined the pursuit of transatlantic business, the complex, multijurisdictional systems and laws involved make the need for adept advisors paramount to success. That is where Shaun and his colleagues shine brightest.

Shaun advises individuals and businesses across all industries on navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. He has expertise in all facets of business immigration, including:

• Designing robust global immigration programs for multinational employers, including the transfer of key employees from operations in a foreign country into the U.S.;
• Securing employment-based visas to employ foreign nationals in the U.S.;
• Working with entrepreneurs who seek to start or invest into businesses in the U.S.; and
• Advising on corporate immigration compliance (e.g., Form I-9, Immigration matters attendant to M&A transactions).

Known for his practical insight and deep understanding of the U.S. immigration landscape and its rapidly changing policies for over a decade, Shaun crafts tailored strategies based on each client’s unique circumstances and goals. He simplifies legal jargon, clarifies requirements and timelines, and works to secure immigration status for dependent family members whenever possible.

Eckert Seamans Has You Covered in a Globalized World

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, LLC is an AmLaw 200 law firm with a history of success that spans more than 65 years. We boast a network of multiple offices across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, including a long‑established presence in Center City, Philadelphia.

Under our service model, we strive to be more than just external legal counsel: we aim to become a part of our clients’ embedded teams, helping plan the strategies necessary to achieve their objectives. Partnering with our clients in this way—learning about their businesses and operations, and by extension, the dynamics that impact their industries—is a key component of our client service philosophy. Our 300+ attorneys have the cross-practice expertise to assist your business in its domestic and global needs, be it concerning an expansion into the U.S., immigration and global mobility, customs and trade matters, corporate transactions, regulatory guidance, or more.

To support clients operating internationally, Eckert Seamans is the Pennsylvania member firm of SCG Legal, a worldwide network of leading, independent law firms. Through this relationship, we provide seamless access to trusted legal and government affairs professionals around the globe, offering local insight, cultural fluency, and coordinated solutions when matters extend beyond U.S. borders.

Combined with our collaborative, client‑embedded service model, this reach allows us to deliver coordinated, practical counsel wherever business takes you.

Key Contacts

• Shaun Staller, Business Immigration & Global Mobility Attorney, Member: sstaller@eckertseamans.com
• Frank Emmerich, Co-Member-In Charge (Philadelphia), Litigation: femmerich@eckertseamans.com
• Amy Snyder, Co-Member-In-Charge (Philadelphia), Labor & Employment: asnyder@eckertseamans.com
• Ryan Cassidy, Labor & Employment Group Co-Chair: rcassidy@eckertseamans.com

The Philadelphia Area: A Strategic Hub for Transatlantic Business And Why Eckert Seamans Is a Key Partner for UK Companies

British businesses often pick the Philadelphia area for conducting business and expansion into the U.S. because it hits a rare balance: access, cost, talent, and familiarity. With decades of experience advising international businesses along the East Coast, Eckert Seamans is uniquely positioned to guide UK companies through U.S. market entry, expansion, and ongoing operations, even when matters become complex or high‑stakes.

Key Drivers for UK Bilateral Business and Business Expansion into Philadelphia:

1. Strategic East Coast location offering economical benefits

Philadelphia sits in the dense Northeast corridor between New York City and Washington, D.C. That means easy access to major stakeholders, government agencies, and resources without paying NYC costs. Indeed, office space, salaries, and general business expenses are typically lower in Philadelphia, letting UK firms stretch their expansion budgets further while still being in a major metropolitan area. Philadelphia International Airport offers direct flights to London and other European hubs—important for UK headquarters.

2. Critical Industry Clusters & a Strong Talent Pool

The region has a high concentration of prestigious universities like the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, & Temple University producing graduates in finance, tech, life sciences, and healthcare—sectors that continue to grow and are critical to many businesses. Additionally, the Philadelphia metropolitan area has a strong presence in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and healthcare.

3. Cultural and Legal Familiarity

The U.S. and UK share language, similar legal frameworks (especially around contracts and finance), and business norms. Philadelphia, in particular, has a long history tied to transatlantic trade, which can make it feel like a “softer landing” than some other global cities.

Choosing the right U.S. location is only the first step. Successfully navigating regulatory requirements, structuring operations, managing risk, and scaling growth requires experienced legal counsel with deep regional knowledge and an international perspective. Eckert Seamans combines East Coast reach, industry insight, and a long history of advising UK and international businesses, helping companies establish a strong foothold in Philadelphia and succeed across the U.S. market with confidence.