Meredith W. Barnette

Meredith W. Barnette has been practicing U.S. immigration law since 2006, building a career rooted in a lifelong curiosity about diverse cultures and individual stories. Before becoming an attorney, she began her legal journey as an immigration paralegal. Today, she brings nearly two decades of experience to her clients across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, academia, and religious organizations.

Ms. Barnette earned her J.D. from Campbell University School of Law in 2005, where she received the Campbell Law Book Award. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Meredith College, which she completed in 1995.

At Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm, Ms. Barnette leads the Religious Worker Specialty Practice Group (SPG). In this role, she regularly handles R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Worker visas and EB-4 Special Immigrant Religious Worker petitions. She also supports religious organizations in securing visas and permanent residency for ministers, instructors, and missionaries. Her work ensures faith-based institutions have the necessary personnel to fulfill their missions.

Beyond religious immigration, Ms. Barnette helps employers and employees with a broad range of employment-based immigration solutions. Her experience includes filing nonimmigrant visa petitions and immigrant petitions for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives. She is also highly skilled in handling PERM labor certifications for lawful permanent residence.

Meredith W. Barnette is admitted to the North Carolina Bar and is a member of professional groups including the American Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Mecklenburg County Bar, and the North Carolina Bar Association. In 2024, she served as Vice Chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar Communications Committee.

Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America (2022–2025) and honored for her pro bono work, Ms. Barnette is known for her dedication and excellence in immigration law. Her client-focused approach makes her a trusted legal partner in navigating complex immigration processes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, North Carolina Bar
• Member, Women Lawyers of Charlotte

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• Campbell University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D)
• Meredith College
  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)

Awards & Badges