Messner Reeves Partners David Asser and Simone Montoya, along with Associate Sam Harden recently hosted a webinar for the Colorado Restaurant Association and more than eighty of their member organizations on “Best Practices for Restaurant Owners – Immigration, I-9 Compliance, and More,” on February 4th.
The one-hour session provided information regarding I-9 compliance for the restaurant industry. Through the program, restaurant owners received high-level guidance on audits, inspections, and visits from regulatory agents and law enforcement. The firm also fielded questions from the audience on restaurateurs’ legal obligations, creating a culture of compliance, and navigating complex situations with professionalism and confidence.
David, Simone, and Sam also fielded questions across a broad scope of concerns during a Q&A session, and remain available for future questions and concerns that may continue to arise as restaurants navigate the immigration issues.
David Asser has over 27 years of practice and serving clients in complex immigration situations, including deportation matters, litigation, asylum, labor certifications, I-9 compliance, temporary visas, family-based immigration, and international mobility. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), has served on the Congressional Committee of the Northern California AILA chapter and has provided pro bono services to the Immigration Hearing Project of the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).
Simone Montoya has a broad range of legal experience representing both individuals and corporations in the areas of general liability, professional liability, criminal defense. In her criminal practice, Simone defends misdemeanor, felony, and white-collar crimes. She regularly represents individuals and organizations involved as targets, subjects, and witnesses in state and federal investigations, including grand jury proceedings. Simone also has expertise in crisis management, assisting businesses with mitigation of risk strategies.
Sam Harden’s practice often focuses on helping businesses understand and comply with their employment obligations in a dynamic environment, including immigration regulations and employment compliance. He helps clients adapt and prepare for constantly evolving state and federal employment law regulations, providing businesses with advice to minimize risk and advance their best interests. Sam regularly represents clients in both employment-based and family-based immigration processes and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Learn more about Messner Reeves’ Immigration Practice.




