what courses should i do to be a immigration attorney

by Hattie Larkin PhD 5 min read

In order to become an immigration lawyer, it is necessary to complete a 4-year bachelor's degree, as well as a 3-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, following the exact same steps to become a lawyer of any other variety.

Common undergraduate majors for students considering law school include political science, history, philosophy, economics, social sciences, language studies, and business—but no specific major is required. Even fields like nursing or engineering can serve as “pre-law” majors.

Full Answer

What degree do I need to become an immigration lawyer?

It is at this point that an aspiring immigration lawyer would begin to study immigration law. Courses in immigration law might include topics such as: Immigration law International human rights law Refugee and asylum law Labor law Racial justice and law These specialty courses might include clinic work, internships with law firms that do immigration work, and other …

What are the different types of courses in immigration law?

Answer: In order to become an immigration lawyer, you will first need to attend law school. It is important that you choose a law school in the state in which you want to practice or an estate which has a reciprocity, or exchange, with another state. This will allow you to practice law in this state and what you plan to reside.

What are the best pre-law majors to become an immigration lawyer?

Aug 18, 2021 · Aside from passing the bar exam, candidates have to obtain state-specific licenses and take continuing education courses to be able to qualify as an immigration lawyer. They must also be up to date with current events and policies related to immigration.

Do immigration lawyers have to complete Continuing Education?

For most people planning to practice law, including immigration law, the JD is the standard degree. But some law school graduates go on to pursue other degrees or credentials requiring additional study, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or the Doctor of Science of Law/Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD or SJD).

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How can I become immigration lawyer?

In order to become an immigration lawyer in India, it is necessary for the interested candidate to attend law school and complete either a five-year integrated course of law, offered by the reputed National Law Universities, government and other private institutions for pursuing law right after the completion of ...Jan 12, 2021

How much do immigration lawyers make?

How much does an Immigration Attorney make in the United States? The average Immigration Attorney salary in the United States is $80,685 as of January 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $68,783 and $93,333.

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most MoneyMedical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

What is the job of an immigration lawyer?

An immigration lawyer enables immigrants to live and work in the U.S. by helping them obtain a green card or visa, gain lawful permanent status, or be granted political asylum. According to Cornell Legal Information Institute, as an immigration lawyer you'll also defend illegal immigrants or help them become naturalized citizens ( www.law.cornell.edu ). Typical duties will likely include meeting with and interviewing clients, researching cases, writing motions and arguing cases in court. A bachelor's degree, a doctoral degree and a state-issued license to practice law are required to begin practicing as an immigration lawyer.

How long does it take to get a bar license?

You'll need to pass the bar exam to obtain licensure in the state where you intend to practice immigration law. According to the BLS, most states give a 6-hour Multi state Bar Examination, which tests you on several areas of law.

What is an immigration lawyer?

Immigration lawyers are responsible for interpreting and giving advice on citizenship, migration, political asylum, business immigration, and securing work, travel, or student visas. Aside from these, they may also represent people who are facing deportation and assist families with processing international adoptions.#N#They have a lot of work options, as they can work in the government, enter private practice, apply at a law firm, or work for non-profit organizations.#N#Aside from passing the bar exam, candidates have to obtain state-specific licenses and take continuing education courses to be able to qualify as an immigration lawyer. They must also be up to date with current events and policies related to immigration.

How much do immigration attorneys make?

Immigration Attorneys in America make an average salary of $79,866 per year or $38 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $139,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $45,000 per year.

What are the best states to work as an immigration attorney?

The best states for people in this position are New York, California, Washington, and Massachusetts. Immigration attorneys make the most in New York with an average salary of $110,990. Whereas in California and Washington , they would average $110,954 and $109,040, respectively. While immigration attorneys would only make an average of $105,197 in Massachusetts , you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.

What is location quotient?

Location Quotient is a measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine how concentrated a certain industry is in a single state compared to the nation as a whole. You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here

Why is immigration law important?

Because immigration law provides you with a foundation to represent people who have immigration matters to resolve, but it also allows you to recognize how a person’s immigration status might impact them in many seemingly unrelated ways.

What do immigration lawyers do?

Immigration lawyers may represent clients in administrative courts, or they may counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations related to immigration, among other things. They also suggest courses of action based on their knowledge of immigration law.

What skills do immigration attorneys need?

In many situations, strong interpersonal skills are also needed. During any given day in immigration practice, an attorney may work with people who have undergone exceptionally traumatic experiences, including suffering persecution, human trafficking, or torture.

What is the American Immigration Lawyers Association?

Another helpful resource is the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a national organization of more than 15,000 attorneys and educators who practice and teach immigration law. This nonpartisan nonprofit provides continuing legal education, information, and professional services.

What are the skills required to become a lawyer?

High-level capabilities in reading and writing are a must, as is the ability to understand and communicate complex concepts and advocate for your client in an adversarial setting. Law schools both seek out these skills in applicants and cultivate them in their students.

How much do lawyers make?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for all lawyers is about $120,000. Median salaries top $140,000 for those employed by the federal government, while pay for state and local government ranges from $85,000 to $93,000 annually.

What is the American Bar Association?

The American Bar Association (ABA) advises anyone interested in a legal career, regardless of the chosen specialty, to pursue educational, extracurricular, and life experiences that will foster the strengths and abilities needed for success in the legal world.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

An immigration lawyer not only helps people to obtain citizenship but does much more. Immigration lawyers assist people on a variety of issues including filing for political asylum or refugee status, defending against deportation, and acquiring work or resident visas. In addition, they can assist companies in International business matters.

What education is needed?

Like any attorney, immigration lawyers need a four-year bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Furthermore, all attorneys need to pass their state’s bar exam before becoming licensed and beginning to work with clients.

Top 8 skills needed to be a successful immigration lawyer

In addition to the proper education and passing the bar exam, it helps for immigration lawyers to have the following skills.

Andrew John Bartlett

It is a long road. And there are many potential exit ramps on that road where you could end up in a different profession - your undergraduate major should be the area you are most passionate about so you can get the highest grade possible.

Alena Shautsova

History, maybe? Focus on what you like. After college you will need to go to law school. After graduation, you will need to pass a Bar Exam... Once you get licensed in any state of the US, you can practice Immigration. Good luck! Try to become an intern with some firms, so you get a better understanding what it is like...

Madeline AF Ellis

Just choose the majors you would like without worrying about what will get you into law school. If you like the subjects, you will do better than if you don't and better grades help you get into law school.

F. J. Capriotti III

Everyone has their own way of finding a 'path'.#N#I had a double major in Education & Psychology with a minor in Computer Science.#N#As a result I can be sensitive to my client's needs and 'teach' them how to do things...

William J Popovich

Believe it or not, the highest percentage of applicants from particular disciplines accepted to law school come from undergraduate disciplines like engineering, and some of the lowest percentages come from political science and similar disciplines.

Boris Alexander Palant

I recommend the following courses: Spanish, Logic, World Literature, Geography, Political Science (but not a PC BS variety), World History. After undergraduate school you will have to get enrolled in law school - another 3 years of hard work,

Scott Thomas Stotz

First of all, best of luck in your endeavor. I can't say that there is any one major you need. I would recommend becoming fluent in at least one other language. Many of your clients will be limited English proficient. I would also encourage you to find work at an office while an undergraduate. Thee is no substitute for experience! Good luck!

What do I need to practice immigration law in the UK?

To practice in immigration, asylum or nationality law in the UK, you will need to qualify as a barrister or a solicitor, or be regulated by the Institute of Legal Executives or the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner as described below. And see the government pages on who can give immigration advice for up to date information.

How long does it take to become a barrister?

A law degree will normally take three years full time and a law conversion course ...

What is immigration law?

Immigration, asylum and nationality law covers a broad range of work, from asylum cases to business immigration. You should consider carefully what type of work you wish to do. Immigration, asylum and nationality work is carried out throughout the UK. If you wish to become a solicitor or a barrister, you should consider carefully whether you wish ...

How long does it take to get a law degree?

A law degree will normally take three years full time and a law conversion course one year full time. Both can be done part time. Then you most complete a vocational stage of training, the Bar Professional Training Course. This takes one year full time or two years part time. Then you must complete a year of pupillage.

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