Fisher Phillips Expands Immigration Practice with Addition of Russell Ford as Partner in Portland, Maine

Russell joins growing Portland presence; expands firm’s Immigration and Higher Education offerings

News

11.10.25

Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm representing employers, is continuing its rapid growth of the firm’s Portland, Maine office with the addition of Partner Russell Ford. Russell expands the firm’s Immigration Practice Group and Higher Education team and is the sixth partner to join in Maine since the firm opened the Portland office in February 2025. Today, with two associates joining with Russell, the office has grown to include 13 attorneys, serving clients in Maine, across New England and nationally.

With more than two decades of experience, Ford advises public and private employers – including k-12 schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and multinational corporations – on immigration compliance, policy development, global personnel movement, and all major nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories, including H-1B, J-1, O-1, NIW, and EB-1. He also counsels clients on SEVIS program, I-9, LCA, and E-Verify compliance and helps organizations recruit, retain, and manage international employees. Throughout his years of practice, Russell has developed a strong practice working with colleges, universities and K-12 employers throughout the U.S. to help them with immigration related matters.

Russell was previously co-founder of FordMurray, a boutique immigration firm in Portland, and has practiced at large law firms in Atlanta and New England, where he developed deep institutional knowledge in employment immigration matters. He joins Fisher Phillips with two associates, Julia Broulidakis and Samuel “Nick” Milliken, and a team of four paralegals.

“Russell’s arrival represents a significant step in further expanding our immigration offerings in New England,” said Christopher Stief, Regional Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips’ Portland office. “His experience in higher education and employment-based immigration perfectly complements our existing capabilities and aligns with our strategic growth in both the immigration and education sectors. The addition of Russell, Julia and Nick also reflects the continued momentum and depth of talent we’re building in our Portland office, which has quickly become a key hub for clients across the region. Russell’s well-established client base creates new opportunities to deliver comprehensive employment and education law services while strengthening our long-term presence in key industries nationwide.”

At Fisher Phillips, Russell will be a key member of the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group, led by Portland partner Shiloh Theberge, and will work closely with immigration partner Mariana Baron, who joined the Fisher Phillips Portland office in June 2025 with a practice that focuses on seasonal immigration needs for resort and hospitality employers. Together, they will collaborate with the firm’s broader team of immigration attorneys to serve clients coast to coast.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Russell to our Portland office,” said John Polson, Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips. “His arrival continues our firm’s strategic trend of expanding in key geographic markets and strengthening core practice groups where our clients need us most. Russell’s experience and leadership will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow our presence in New England and beyond.”

About Fisher Phillips (www.fisherphillips.com)

With over 700 attorneys across the United States, Mexico and Japan, and a vast network of attorneys in jurisdictions around the globe, Fisher Phillips advises and advocates for employers on an international scale. Through our technology-driven approach, we partner with companies to achieve their business objectives, anticipate potential disruption, and provide the legal guidance to navigate and resolve the workplace matters critical to their success.

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