NIPNLG-NITA “Advocacy in Immigration Matters” Training May 2026

“Advocacy in Immigration Matters” Training

National Immigration Project & National Institute for Trial Advocacy

May 19-21, 2026

Washington, DC

Application Deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5PM ET

On the 10th year anniversary of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s (NITA) immigration programs, the National Immigration Project is pleased to continue its partnership with NITA to offer a three-day skills training accompanied by a webinar for immigration court advocates. This training is ideal for immigrant defenders who have some court experience and want to improve their skills through intensive, experiential instruction with meaningful feedback from seasoned practitioners, including retired Immigration Judges.    

What does the program and program fee encompass?

• Friday, May 15, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 PM ET: A 2-hour Zoom session on case analysis 

• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 through Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM ET each day: Court skills training 

• Lunch and beverages all three days of the court skills program

Where is the program?

At Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office. The address is 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 and the nearest metro stations are Farragut West Station (Blue Line; Silver Line; Orange Line) and Farragut North Station (Red Line). 

What are the accommodation options?

We have secured two room blocks for participants to choose from, ensuring options that accommodate different budgets. Here are the room block options:

• Option #1: The Hotel Zena room block has a nightly rate of $279 (not including tax). It is conveniently located just 0.7 miles from Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office.
• Option #2: The State Plaza Hotel room block has a nightly rate of $209 (not including tax). It is conveniently located just 0.8 miles from Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office.

Information to make a reservation under either block will be shared with accepted participants.

What skills will the program cover?

• Case analysis

• Direct examination

• Offers of Proof

• Accrediting the proposed expert witness

• Getting the expert’s opinion

• Responding to DHS objections

• Making objections

• Re-Direct examination

• Closing argument

What are the preparation expectations?

Prior to court skills program starting on May 15th, selected participants are expected to:

• View a series of recorded NITA videos on trial skills,

• Review training materials, including the asylum case file, and

• Complete a case analysis exercise.

Selected participants should expect to spend approximately 8 hours preparing for the program. Please consider and be realistic about this time commitment— for both preparation for the program and the program itself— before applying.  

How do I apply and when is the deadline?

To apply, please complete the application form found- HERE.

Applications are due on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. 

How will the National Immigration Project select the participants?

Private attorneys and law school faculty members will be considered ONLY if they are National Immigration Project members. Attorneys or fully accredited representatives working full-time at a non-profit regardless of National Immigration Project  membership are eligible to apply. The National Immigration Project will also prioritize diversity, as well as applicants with scheduled individual hearings.  

When will I find out about the status of my application?

The National Immigration Project will inform applicants of their status by 5:00 PM ET on Friday, March 20th.   

How do I register if I am selected?

If the application is approved, the applicant must submit the relevant registration fee to the National Immigration Project and affirm their understanding of the strict attendance expectations by 12:00 PM ET on Friday, April 3. Failure to complete these requirements by Friday, April 3 at 12:00 PM ET will result in the selected participant forfeiting their spot in this training.  

What if I need to cancel after registering? 

If you cancel after registering, we cannot refund the registration unless someone from the waitlist is willing to take your place.    

What are the attendance requirements?

In addition to being present live for the 2-hour case analysis session from 12:00-2:00 PM ET on May 15th, selected participants are expected to be present for the entire court skills program from Tuesday, May 19 through Thursday May 21, 2026. Selected participants should plan to arrive on time every day. Selected participants should not plan to leave before the program ends around 5:30 PM on Thursday. Selected participants should be mentally present during all aspects of the program, which includes only answering email and taking calls during breaks.   

Why are the attendance requirements so strict?

This program is likely unlike any other training you have experienced so this is a valid question. There are a few reasons for the strict attendance expectations. First, NITA will seek CLE credit on your behalf so long as you attend every aspect of the program. That is, NITA cannot seek partial CLE credit. Second, you are assigned to a small group of participants for the skills workshops and any changes to the small group participant number will impact the schedule timing. Third, this program builds on prior lessons so, if you miss one lesson, your learning and skills will be incomplete as you move forward.  

I am an attorney. Will I get CLE credit for this training?

Yes. Also noted above, NITA will seek CLE credit on your behalf. National Immigration Project will collect your bar number and the state where you are licensed and will provide that information to NITA. The number of approved CLE credits will depend on the schedule, but past participants have received approximately 15 CLE credits for similar in-person programs.   

This program sounds intensive. Is it worth it? 

This is indeed an intensive program, but it is extremely rewarding, provided you put in the time, curiosity, and effort. As one past participant put it:

“I have had a few trials since [the NITA-National Immigration Project court skills training], and the training was invaluable in prepping for them….I think I would have been drowning if not for this program. But instead, I think I felt confident enough, which I think was helpful for my clients, and I think we got out the testimony we needed in both cases.”