Matthew I. Penfield

Matthew advises and represents clients across immigration, labor and employment law, and general litigation. His practice includes assisting employers and individuals with employment-based visas, ensuring compliance with complex federal and state immigration laws. He counsels employers comprehensively on labor and employment issues and has extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts and arbitration settings.  

In labor and employment law, Matthew advocates for management and advises on various matters, including discrimination and retaliation cases under federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and others. He defends against individual and class action lawsuits brought by current and former employees. Additionally, Matthew specializes in litigating the enforceability of employment and non-compete agreements in both state and federal courts, including matters before FINRA. He also assists clients in drafting these agreements and handles business disputes in court.  

Matthew’s immigration practice covers compliance issues and visa-related needs. He supports employers in meeting state and federal immigration regulations, including Form I-9 compliance and the E-Verify program. He represents employers in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) proceedings and Department of Labor audits. He advises on various business immigration matters, including visa waivers, temporary worker visas, permanent employment-based visas, training visas, exchange visitor visas, and naturalization processes. He routinely prepares and files visa petitions on behalf of employers with USCIS. 

Community & Professional

• Alabama Defense Lawyers Association 
• Member, Alabama State Bar Association 
• Member, American Bar Association 
• Member, Birmingham Bar Association 
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association 
• Board of Directors, Opera Birmingham 
• Board of Directors, Workshops Empowerment, Inc.  
• Board of Directors, YWCA Central Alabama 
• Leadership Birmingham Members Council 
• Member, Class of 2022, Leadership Birmingham

Recognition

• Birmingham Business Journal's "Best of the Bar," (2023)

• Best Lawyers in America® (2021-present)

• Chambers USA Guide to "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" for Labor and Employment (2018-2024)

• Mid-South Super Lawyers, Employment & Labor (2022)

• Mid-South Super Lawyers (2021)

• Recognized on the Mid-South Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars" List (2014-2019)