From Experience to Expertise
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lauren Cho, an Associate Lawyer at Avocet Law. Specializing in immigration law, Lauren is passionate about making a real impact in people’s lives through her work. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Empathy Through My Own Experience
What I love about immigration law is that it’s not just about flexing your brain; it’s about making a real impact in people’s lives. That’s one of the biggest reasons I decided to work with Genie. More than writing contracts or negotiating terms with opposing counsel, what makes my day is when a client emails me after their approval and says, “My life has changed because of this visa. Thank you so much.” It makes my heart swell with many emotions.
Whether it’s a green card or a work visa, immigration is a nerve-wracking process. Towards the end, most people have to go through an interview in front of an officer, swear to tell the truth, and answer grueling questions. The process is emotionally draining, and I’ve experienced it firsthand, coming from a family of immigrants and having gone through the naturalization process myself.
When I reassure my clients, I think back on my own experiences and reflect upon the strong emotions I felt back then.
My Most Memorable Cases
I’ll always remember my first two cases. I worked on them at the same time, and they were approved around the same time. These two cases were what really ignited my passion for esports, particularly VALORANT, and the niche world of esports immigration law.
Back in summer 2021 when I was interning as a first-year law student, I drafted O-1B petitions for two up-and-coming female VALORANT content creators. I had always loved video games, dabbling in Final Fantasy Tactics Advance as a kid, but I had no previous experience with esports. As I researched their background and their unique careers, I found myself drawn to the process–I truly believed my clients were extraordinary individuals who deserved to be here.
Nevertheless, it was grueling work because O-1B petitions require a lot of writing, and I was so nervous—I would constantly wonder, Am I doing an okay job? Later, I found my answer when I discovered one of those content creators had her visa petition approved while I was watching her Twitch stream. She was so excited and said, “Oh my gosh, you guys, my visa got approved! My dreams are coming true. I’m coming to America!”
I kept replaying that moment. It made me so happy for her. Those two cases are always memorable for me because they introduced me to the world of VALORANT and esports generally. I’ve been rooting for women in that industry ever since, and seeing where our clients are today—established and thriving in the United States—makes me feel so proud.
I don’t like to think of it as I did this. It’s more like, I helped make a difference in someone’s life. That sounds cliché, but it’s the kind of legacy I hope to leave behind—making positive change for others.
Staying Motivated
I’m not going to lie; sometimes the work is tough, and the work-life balance can be extremely difficult. When I get overwhelmed, I need to vent with a friend over coffee or go to the gym to let off steam. Burnout is real, and I do worry that the passion I have for this job will dry out. So far, thankfully it hasn’t, and I believe it’s because I know we’re making such a positive impact in this industry.
Whenever I feel burnt out, I remind myself of my mentor Genie’s journey. She could have been any other immigration attorney, but she became the esports immigration attorney. That doesn’t happen without passion and sincerity.
Watching esports tournaments or streams has now become a lifetime hobby that also helps reignite my dedication to the work we do. Seeing the players and creators we’ve helped succeed reminds me why I do this.
Finding Fulfillment
It’s hard to measure success in this field because each case is so different. But it’s fulfilling when I see the signs of our work in everyday life. For example, I remember walking down Sawtelle one day and seeing a big esports advertisement for a player. I thought, Hey, I worked on their case. Or when I read an article about a team winning a championship title, I feel thankful for the incredible patience and resilience of our clients. It’s moments like these that remind me we’re making a real difference.
There are also the little things, like when I get a thank-you email from a client telling me how much their life has changed because of the visa we helped them secure. That recognition, whether from clients or colleagues, reassures me that I’m on the right path. Sometimes, when I get caught up in the grind, I have to remind myself that the hard work, the long hours, and the stress are worth it. When I see the success stories—like players and teams we’ve helped—I know the impact we’re making is real. And that keeps me motivated, no matter how tough it gets.
