Do you intend to make a difference and have a suitable career as an immigration lawyer? But are you aware of the process of becoming an immigration lawyer? Keep reading to get your answers about this rewarding legal specialty.
Generally, there’s a stark contrast between a lawyer and an immigration lawyer. But, in the context of the U.S., things are different. As the U.S. doesn’t provide separate licenses for varied legal practice domains (few exceptions applied), an immigration lawyer can practice in any domain of law. However, as a clientele, it’s your responsibility to be cautious of such lawyers claiming to be the master of all areas of law, including immigration. Choose the one who’s an expert and professional in the area of immigration.
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Our immigration lawyers will-
- assist you in navigating the complex process of immigration, including obtaining visas, green cards, and citizenship.
- provide legal advice and assistance with paperwork related to immigration applications.
- represent you in immigration court proceedings and hearings.
- aid you or businesses to understand and comply with the nuances of immigration laws and regulations.
- handle legal cases ranging from family law matters to deportation cases.
- help you to get asylum in the U.S.
How long does it take to become an immigration lawyer?
Dedication, commitment, academic excellence, and deep interest are required to begin the journey of becoming an immigration lawyer. You must invest a considerable amount of time to fulfill your passion for becoming an immigration lawyer. Ideally, it requires seven and a half years to become a licensed immigration lawyer, provided you get through the state bar exam on the first attempt.
You’re required to fulfill the following criteria based on educational requirements, law school admission test, state bar exam, Juris Doctor degree, certification, and experience, etc. to claim the dignified position of an immigration lawyer. Given below are the explanatory notes on each of these criteria.
Educational Requirement
The first and foremost criterion is related to academics. You must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before entering law school. Few law schools in the U.S. provide admission to students who haven’t finished their bachelor’s degree, but remember, it isn’t a rule and just an exception. You can pass under graduation taking any desirable subject as law schools admit students from different educational backgrounds.
Law School
After the completion of your bachelor’s degree, you must qualify Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply for a seat in any one of the 200 accredited U.S. law schools. These law schools do not necessarily provide specialties in a variety of legal practice domains, however, few law schools intend to focus on a specific legal area and provide the post-graduation degree. It’s your call whether you seek to enroll in just one special course in immigration law or many courses. Generally, you’re supposed to dedicate three years to graduate with a Juris Doctor degree.
State Bar Exam
Passing the state bar test that encompasses virtually all major domains of law is a must. The passing percentage ranges from 44% (California) to 79% (Missouri), however, if you fail to get through the test, you can retry. Most of the states set bar exams twice a year. Besides, to be licensed, you must fulfill other criteria related to your moral character and physical well-being. If you pass the bar test on the first attempt and you graduate in May, then you’re likely to be licensed by December of the same year.
Post licensing, you’re eligible to practice in almost any area of law (except for patent law). For ongoing licensure, the lawyer must essentially participate in annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs.
Gain Practical Experience
You must stand out in the crowd involving licensed immigration lawyers. All that makes you unique and promising is the experience you gain throughout your journey to becoming an immigration lawyer. You must look for internships, part-time jobs, or other opportunities to gather experience with immigration law or any other specialization.
Specialty Certifications and Professional Recognition
Earning a certification can prove to be an investment in your career in the field of immigration law. It implies your commitment to excellence and sets you apart in this competitive area of law. A single certification can tell your client that you’re not just qualified, you’re an expert. Only four states- California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas- offer specialist certifications in immigration law.
Develop or sharpen your skills
You must inculcate several skills to widen your client base. The more skillful you’re, the higher your chances of being hired. Skills such as researching, fluency in communication, reading, and writing, analytical thinking, problem-solving, listening, and more are widely sought-after in an immigration lawyer.
What does immigration law pay?
Well, there is no doubt regarding legal careers which pay handsome salaries. However, individual attorneys’ salaries differ considerably, though they’ve the same legal specialty like immigration law, owing to several factors such as years of experience, certification, and educational background, the services you provide, the clientele you serve, the country’s area of your practice, the hiring agency, and more.
The median annual wage for all lawyers, as per the U.S. Department of Labor, is around $120,000. The lawyers employed by the federal government earn median salaries top $140,000, while those hired by state and local government range from $85,000 to $93,000 annually. The larger or more successful your employing law firm is, the more you earn, while, the case will be contrary (i.e. your salary will be less) if you work for nonprofit organizations.
Specializing in immigration, as opposed to other lawyers in general, doesn’t promise higher wages. Lawyers practicing for nonprofit organizations earn less, however, the satisfaction rate is unexpectedly greater.
Should I become an immigration lawyer?
Are you interested in working on human rights issues? Are you ready to dive into the time-consuming process of joining the legal field? Does your interest lie in criminal law, constitutional law, civil rights law, family law, education law, entertainment law, sports law, compliance, or business law? Do you commit to dedicate time to the dynamic field of immigration law?
If your answer is yes, you can choose it as your career option. To thrive in the field of immigration law, you must possess incomparable communication skills, acute attention to detail, fluency in multiple languages, and a profound sense of empathy. Immigration lawyers are the driving force behind their clients’ success, as they ensure that immigrants are granted asylum and equal opportunities in the U.S. Many immigrants come to this country seeking refuge from war, political turmoil, or for better opportunities, and it’s the responsibility of immigration lawyers to work tirelessly to ensure that their clients receive the treatment and opportunities they deserve.
How much does it cost to become an immigration lawyer?
Becoming an immigration lawyer requires a significant investment of time and money. It’ll be difficult to provide you with the exact cost to become an immigration lawyer. The cost of law school tuition can vary depending on the institution, but it can range from tens of thousands of dollars to over $100,000. Besides, there are costs associated with obtaining a law license, including bar exam fees and other related expenses.
It’s also important to note that immigration law is a highly specialized field, and ongoing professional development is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. This may include attending conferences, seminars, and continuing education courses, which can add to the overall cost of becoming an immigration lawyer. Despite the significant investment, many find the field of immigration law to be rewarding both personally and professionally.
Where can I learn more?
There are many resources available for those interested in becoming an immigration lawyer. Here are a few places to start:
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – AILA is the national association of immigration lawyers in the United States. Their website offers a wealth of resources for those interested in the field, including information on education and training, career development, and networking opportunities.
- Law schools – Many law schools offer courses and programs focused on immigration law. Researching law schools and their programs can provide insight into the specific education and training required to become an immigration lawyer.
- Immigration law clinics – Many law schools and legal aid organizations provide immigration law clinics that offer hands-on experience working with immigrants and refugees. Participating in a clinic can be a valuable way to gain practical experience and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
- Immigration law firms – Reaching out to immigration law firms and asking to speak with a lawyer or recruiter can provide insight into the field and the specific skills and experience required.
- Government agencies – Agencies such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Justice offer information on immigration law and the requirements to become an immigration lawyer.
Conclusion
Immigration law is a highly sensitive and dynamic area of law. It’s important to stay updated on the latest developments in immigration law and regulations to effectively represent clients. The knowledge of an immigration lawyer must be wide but not limited to civil law, international law, tax law, and, most significantly, immigration law. With the right education, experience, and commitment, you can become a successful immigration lawyer and make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.
Contact us now! With us, you’ll experience the taste of professionalism and expertise in immigration law. Moreover, if you’re an aspiring immigration lawyer and seek guidance or direction, you can reach out to us anytime.