Leigh Cole

Leigh Cole is an attorney at Dinse whose practice concentrates on immigration and education law. She advises businesses, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and scholars on legal issues involving immigration compliance and international programs. Her work includes employment-based sponsorship, institutional immigration matters, and guidance for organizations managing international employees and students while complying with state and federal laws and regulations.

Leigh earned her J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University and her B.A. from Cornell University. She served as editor in chief of the Albany Law Review during law school. Her academic background and legal training support a practice that combines regulatory analysis, institutional counseling, business considerations, and practical problem solving for clients handling immigration, education, and related compliance responsibilities.

Leigh advises on employment-based immigration applications, F-1 and J-1 sponsorship, immigration matters for students and scholars, and institutional compliance. She has guided employers through I-9 reviews and advised organizations on complex travel and employment issues involving international professionals. Her broader experience includes litigation, appellate advocacy, transactions, regulatory compliance, business formation, financing, private placements, and securities compliance in varied professional settings.

Leigh Cole brings a practical and strategic approach to immigration and education matters that affect institutions, employers, and international professionals. She is active in organizations connected to higher education, international education, immigration, and the legal profession. Her work helps clients structure programs, document decisions, respond to changing requirements, and manage legal risks while pursuing organizational, academic, and workforce objectives involving international talent and operations. Her counseling remains grounded in practical implementation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Dinse, P.C.
• Member, Vermont Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Editorial Board, Journal of College and University Law (2022-Present)
• Member, Board of Directors, National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) (2017-2020)
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
• Board Chair and Member, Board of Directors and Audit Committee, June, ISEP Study Abroad (2021-Present)
• Chair, Vermont Council on World Affairs (2016-2018)
• Member, Board of Directors, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce (2013-2014)
• Director, Opportunities Credit Union (2020-Present)
• Immigration Counsel, Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP
• Member, Legal Advisory Counsel, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
• Member, NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Licensed State

• Vermont
• New York

Education

• Albany Law School of Union University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Cornell University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges