Melissa A. Dearing is a partner with Rivkin Radler LLP, based in Jacksonville, Florida, and a member of the firm’s Immigration Practice Group. She advises employers on navigating nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processes in support of their workforce needs, with a focus on compliance and strategic planning.
Her practice includes representing employers in Employment Law – Management matters related to workforce mobility, as well as Litigation – Labor and Employment issues that intersect with immigration and compliance obligations. Melissa regularly works with H-1B petitions and the PERM-based permanent residence process, including matters involving information technology professionals, engineers, pharmacists, and other skilled workers.
In addition to employment-based immigration, Melissa assists individuals and families with Immigration Law matters involving family-based petitions. She also counsels employers on I-9 compliance, internal audits, and related regulatory concerns, helping organizations manage risk while meeting federal requirements.

