An experienced immigration attorney, Mertens joins the firm from Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.

"Anton is well respected in the Atlanta legal and business communities for his outstanding commitment to client service and his exceptional legal talent," said Erich N. Durlacher, managing partner of Burr & Forman's Atlanta office. "His niche experience in immigration law boosts our Atlanta-based service offerings and supports the skilled immigration attorneys resident in other Burr & Forman offices throughout the Southeast."

Burr & Forman's growth over the last year has raised its firmwide attorney count to nearly 300 attorneys, up almost 20 percent in just 12 months. In October, the firm combined with Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady, P.A. in Tampa, Fla., bolstering its Southeastern footprint, and has added 50 attorneys since December 2011. Lateral hiring is a strategic investment for the firm. The opening of each office and the addition of seasoned attorneys like Mertens, are a direct result of feedback from clients.

Mertens counsels investors, managers, executives and technical personnel with immigration matters, including business and professional visas, labor certifications, immigrant visas, consular representation and citizenship for foreign executives, managers and professionals. He advises employers on compliance procedures regarding work eligibility under I-9 workplace compliance provisions of the federal law. His clients include international companies, technology firms, and U.S. subsidiaries of companies in a range of industries, including communications, technology and engineering, among others.

Mertens is a fellow of The Lawyers Foundation of Georgia and an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) Atlanta Chapter, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's Global Commerce Council, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, and the State Bar of Georgia's Immigration Law Section, of which he is a former chair. Born in Brussels, Belgium, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Atlanta Chapter of the Belgian American Chamber of Commerce. He is a frequent author and speaker on immigration-related issues. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Mercer University.