Ian R. Macdonald, Employment Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, General, and Immigration · 4.7/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
Atlanta, GA
Practicing employment in Atlanta since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ian R. Macdonald?
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Quick answer
Ian R. Macdonald is a shareholder based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Immigration. Ian has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Atlanta, GA
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Employment · General · Immigration
- Handles Employment, General, and Immigration matters from Atlanta, GA.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Ian R. Macdonald: Ian R. Macdonald is a shareholder based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Immigration. Ian has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Ian R. Macdonald
Ian concentrates on employment, general, and immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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General
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Immigration
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Employment cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Ian takes employment matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ian agrees to represent you.
General cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Ian takes general matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ian agrees to represent you.
Immigration cases in Atlanta, Georgia
Ian takes immigration matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ian agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Ian R. Macdonald — Over 26 years of Georgia employment experience
Ian R. Macdonald is a shareholder based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Immigration. Ian has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Ian R. Macdonald has over 25 years of experience working with employers on worksite immigration compliance (criminal and civil), employment-based immigration sponsorship and global mobility transfers to 200+ countries. Ian founded the Firm’s immigration practice in Atlanta and has led the group since joining the Firm in 2013. He focuses his practice on developing, assessing and managing global mobility programs for multinational companies on a range of challenges affecting the movement of people domestically and internationally, including secondment agreements, benefits transferability, local host country employment concerns and immigration.
Ian and his team work closely with companies to manage and modify, where needed, corporate immigration programs to maximize efficiency, service and regulatory compliance levels. He is experienced with the full range of business immigration sponsorship categories (visas and permanent residence), anti-discrimination rules to reduce or eliminate risk of employment litigation, employer sanction cases, and I-9 and E-Verify compliance.
Ian has developed strategic relationships abroad that he utilizes when working with clients to ensure compliance with foreign registration requirements. He is experienced with analyzing complex global mobility opportunities on country-specific matters to facilitate the transfer of personnel. Ian is also experienced in counseling employers on immigration strategy as well as immigration consequences of mergers and acquisitions, reduction in workforces, and furloughs.
Prior to joining the firm, Ian was the chair of global immigration at the world’s largest employment and labor law practice. He also worked for the United Nations, various non-governmental think tanks and corporate law firms in London, Washington, D.C., New York and Atlanta.
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2016-2026
•Listed, Lawdragon, '100 Leading Immigration Lawyers,' 2025-2026
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Immigration, 2021-2025
•Listed, Thomson-Reuters, 'Stand-Out Lawyers,' 2025-2026
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Labor and Employment - Immigration, 2009-2022
•Listed, Daily Report, 'Georgia Trailblazers,' 2019
•Listed, National Law Journal, 'Immigration Law Trailblazer,' 2019
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Georgia Super Lawyers, 2017-2019
•Listed, Georgia Trend magazine 'Legal Elite,' 2015-2017, 2019 and 2024
•Listed, U.S. News - Best Lawyers Best Law Firm rankings for Nationwide (Tier 1), 2011-2015
Ian's approach to employment cases
Ian R. Macdonald has over 25 years of experience working with employers on worksite immigration compliance (criminal and civil), employment-based immigration sponsorship and global mobility transfers to 200+ countries. Ian founded the Firm’s immigration practice in Atlanta and has led the group since joining the Firm in 2013. He focuses his practice on developing, assessing and managing global…
The kind of cases Ian takes
Ian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, general, and immigration matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.
Credentials
Ian R. Macdonald's legal education and bar admissions
American University Washington College of Law
J.D. · 1999
The New School
B.A. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Ian's state bar admissions
Georgia
2009 · ACTIVE
New York
2000 · ACTIVE
Ian studied at J.D. in American University Washington College of Law and B.A. in The New School.
Law school and academic background
Ian completed J.D. in American University Washington College of Law and B.A. in The New School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ian runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Ian R. Macdonald
Ian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Ian R. Macdonald's office in Atlanta
Ian's primary office is at Terminus 200, Terminus 200, 3333 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 2500, Atlanta, GA, 30305. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Terminus 200, Terminus 200, 3333 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 2500
Atlanta, GA 30305
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Ian R. Macdonald — 4.7/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Ian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Atlanta.
4.7
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ian R. Macdonald claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ian R. Macdonald — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ian's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ian
Ian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ian R. Macdonald
How much does it cost to hire Ian for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ian offer a free consultation?
Ian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ian's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Ian's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Georgia typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ian take my case if I'm outside Atlanta?
Ian is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ian accepting new employment clients right now?
Ian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia
Ian handles employment matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
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