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Changes to Employment Authorization Document Processing
By Luisa Koidl
Sponsored by Squire Patton Boggs

Overview
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented major changes to Employment Authorization Document (EAD) policies. These updates end the automatic 540‑day extension for most EAD renewals and reduce the maximum EAD validity period to 18 months for certain categories, including adjustment of status applicants, asylum seekers and refugees.

End of Automatic EAD Extensions (Effective October 30, 2025)
The Interim Final Rule (IFR), published on October 30, 2025, immediately ended the long-time practice of automatically extending the validity of EADs for individuals who timely file renewal applications. The IFR did not impact the validity of EADs that were automatically extended prior to October 30, 2025, or EADs automatically extended by law or regulations.

Sherman Humphrey
Director of International Development
JAMS 
Higher education degree: Master’s Degree in International Business from the Chapman Graduate School of Business (FIU), 2008
LinkedIn: Sherman Humphrey | LinkedIn 

1. What impact has sponsoring the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group had for you?
Sponsoring the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group has given me the opportunity to meet and learn from an extraordinary group of women who are leaders in their organizations and communities, and who bring a wide range of perspectives to the practice of law. Spending time with this group has deepened my appreciation for the realities in-house counsel face every day— balancing legal risk, business objectives, and leadership responsibilities, often all at once. I’ve really valued the thoughtful and candid conversations around dispute resolution, leadership, and professional growth.

2. What is your current role, and can you describe a typical day in your position?
I am the Director of International Practice Development at JAMS, where I have the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of professionals— many of whom are former judges and senior practitioners who, at the apex of their careers, chose to dedicate themselves to mediation and arbitration. Their work helps resolve some of the world’s most complex commercial disputes, and it’s inspiring to see that level of experience put to service in such a constructive way. No two days are exactly the same. My role involves collaborating closely with our neutrals and colleagues across JAMS, engaging with lawyers and in-house counsel around the world, and helping strengthen JAMS’ international footprint. A large part of my work is relationship-driven—listening, learning, and connecting people—while also thinking strategically about how JAMS can continue to grow and deliver high-quality dispute resolution services across borders.

3. What book or magazine do you have on your nightstand right now?
What book are you currently reading? I’m currently reading Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari. It had been sitting on my nightstand for a year. Also waiting are The Epic of Latin America by John A. Crow and Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. Both are books I like to revisit every few years—they offer valuable context for understanding history, politics, and the forces that continue to shape our world today. If I recommended one book that has helped me in life, it is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Very easy and digestible, but impactful, guideline to living a better life. 




Jessica_Mullerys_Headshot.jpeg
Owning Your Career: A Blueprint for In-House Counsel Growth
Written by Jessica Mullery

I’ve worked with lawyers across practice areas and professional settings on strategies for advancing their careers, from transactional lawyers and litigators to law firm partners and in-house counsel. One thing that consistently surprises lawyers moving in-house is that, unlike law firms, many corporate legal departments lack formal ladders or clearly defined paths for advancement.

Career progression is often less structured and more ambiguous for in-house lawyers. Legal departments vary widely in size. Titles are inconsistent across organizations. Some teams are lean, with limited room for upward movement. 

The good news is that while opportunities for in-house advancement can feel opaque, your growth doesn’t have to be. Advancement as an in-house lawyer rarely happens by accident. It happens when you get clear on what you want and intentionally build the skills and experience needed to reach your target role.

This article maps out a blueprint for steering your career with intention, even in environments without formal promotion tracks. This proactive approach focuses on four core areas:

* Clarifying what growth means for you
* Building leadership skills
* Demonstrating and communicating impact
* Cultivating a strong professional brand

Each of these areas is a lever for upward movement. Taken together, they form a practical roadmap for owning your career. 

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