All you need to know about becoming an immigration lawyer


You want to make a real difference and have a long career as an immigration lawyer. For answers to common questions about this rewarding legal profession, continue reading.

Let's start with the basics...

Who could be interested in immigration law and how can they get involved?

Do you find the idea of working on human right issues exciting? Are you open to interacting with people of other cultures and countries? Do you have an interest in criminal, constitutional, civil, and Slatus Slatus Immigration Law Firm of NYC? Are you interested in a career as a transactional attorney or a federal judge? Slatus Slatus Immigration Law Firm of NYC 225 West 34th Street New York, NY 10122 (212) 465-0537 https://immigrationlawyerny.org/

Studying immigration law is likely to be beneficial to you if any of these apply to you. Why? Why?

What does an immigration lawyer do?

It is only one part of the story that immigration has been the subject of intense media attention and political debate in recent years.

There is a constant flow of people who want to study, live, and work in the United States. Immigration lawyers are available to help families, individuals, and businesses navigate these complicated immigration pathways. An individual's immigration status can impact on and intersect with other legal issues such as family, criminal, and tax law. Therefore, it is important to be well-versed in immigration law for lawyers who practice in these areas.

How do you become an immigration lawyer

No matter what area of practice you choose, a bachelor's degree is the first step to becoming a lawyer. A juris doctor (JD), degree follows.

While it will enhance your knowledge and help you practice, a law school concentration in immigration law or specialization in that area of law is not necessary. Employers and clients will prefer lawyers who have extensive exposure to immigration law, including through internships, externships and clerkships, as well their legal school coursework.

If you are already in law school...

After you have completed law school, you will take a mix of electives and required courses that best suit your future goals and interests. These courses may include concentrations or certificates in immigration or related areas. This will provide you with a solid academic foundation to pursue a career in this field.

As mentioned above, academics are not the only thing you should be pursuing. However, it is important to get as much practical experience as possible in the legal field, especially in immigration law-related work. You might find such opportunities through the clinical programs, pro bono activities, internships/externships, and student groups offered by your law school.

The JD is the most common degree for those who intend to practice law. Some law school graduates pursue additional degrees, such as the Master of Laws or Doctor of Science of Law/Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD/SJD). Advanced degrees are usually pursued by those who wish to teach or conduct scholarly work.

What is the value of immigration law?

While it is no secret that lawyers make good salaries, individual lawyer's incomes can be very different, even within the same legal field, such as immigration law. Earning potential can be affected by the services you provide, the clientele you serve, as well as where you practice.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the median annual salary for lawyers is $120,000. The median salary for federal employees is $140,000, while the pay for state or local government workers ranges between $85,000 and $93,000 annually. Lawyers who work for large, well-respected law firms or corporations earn more than those who run their own businesses or work for non-profit organizations.

Where can I find out more?

There are many online resources that can help you learn more about being an immigration lawyer. However, it may be beneficial to begin by connecting with professionals in the field. You might be able to conduct an informational interview with an experienced immigration lawyer through your university (ask your career or alumni office). It's easy to reach out to law school admissions personnel and professors by phone. Conversations with representatives from law schools can be very informative. A law school fair might offer the opportunity to talk about immigration law.

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