FOUNDING PARTNER LEON WILDES AND MANAGING PARTNER MICHAEL WILDES HEAD TO LONDON, WHERE LEON RECALLED HIS PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF THE JOHN LENNON MATTER – JOHN LENNON VS. THE USA – THE INSIDE STORY OF THE MOST BITTERLY CONTESTED AND INFLUENTIAL DEPORTATION CASE IN UNITED STATES HISTORY – SEPTEMBER 2017.
Leon’s discussions included speaking engagements at The Western Marble Arch Synagogue, located in London’s West end district, the law firm of Harbottle & Lewis, which advises clients across the media, communications and entertainment industries, as well as Mishcon de Reya, an international law firm. The father-son duo even made time to walk across Abbey Road and stop to pose at many favorite Lennon/Beatles venues.
Founded in 1960, Wildes & Weinberg is perhaps best known for Leon Wildes’ representation of former Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono.
Between 1972 and 1976, Leon represented Lennon and Ono in their struggle to remain in the United States, despite the concerted attempts of the Nixon Administration to deport them.
The case (which included bringing four separate Federal lawsuits) not only resulted in John and Yoko getting their green cards and being able to remain in the United States, but it also led to substantial changes in immigration law and brought to light secretive government practices and undue political influence, that has resulted in greater transparency in the U.S. immigration system. More then 40 years later, Leon has finally published a book which chronicled the case, aptly titled John Lennon v. The USA, it is published by Ankerwycke Books, an imprint of ABA Publishing, a division of the American Bar Association.
Since the book’s launch in August 2016, nearly 5000 copies have been purchased, Leon and Michael Wildes have appeared on dozens of TV and radios shows including Good Day NY and the Stolar Report and 1000s of people have attended a “Conversation with Leon Wildes”, at noteworthy institutions such as The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and The Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Leon and Michael were available throughout the three day conference to speak with Beatles fans as well as sign books.
Managing Partner Michael Wildes’ foreword, includes personal anecdotes and insight into the mindset of his father, Leon, with whom he has the privilege of practicing with everyday.
More than fifty six years since its inception the firm continues to serve a distinguished domestic and international clientele and covers all areas of U.S. immigration law, including employment and investment-based immigration, work permits, permanent residence for qualified individuals, family-based immigration, asylum applications and all temporary and permanent type visas. In addition, the firm is internationally renowned for its successful representation of distinguished individuals and corporate clients such as performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors/actresses, athletes, race car drivers, fine artists, art dealers, curators, musicians, literary agents, and Fortune 500 companies. Some of the firm’s recent clients include famed artist Sarah Brightman, several Miss Universe winners as well as soccer icon Pele.
Despite difficulties currently being encountered in dealing with U.S. immigration authorities, Wildes & Weinberg has maintained an extraordinary track record for success in its cases and the firm’s multilingual staff is known for its experience and special expertise in processing each foreign national’s matter with nothing less than the highest level of professionalism.
Today, the firm of Wildes & Weinberg maintains offices in New York City, New York, Englewood, New Jersey, Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.
For media inquiries or to invite Leon and Michael Wildes to speak at your organization, contact Managing Partner Michael Wildes at Michael@wildeslaw.com.