NITA-NIPNLG “Advocacy in Immigration Matters” Training

National Immigration Project & National Institute for Trial Advocacy

“Advocacy in Immigration Matters” Training

May 29-31, 2024

Application Deadline is March 18, 2024 at 5PM ET
 

The National Immigration Project is pleased to continue its partnership with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) to offer a four-day skills training for immigration court advocates. This training is ideal for immigrant defenders who have some court experience and want to improve their skills through an intensive experiential experience with meaningful feedback from experienced practitioners, including retired Immigration Judges.

What skills will the program cover?

• Case analysis

• Direct examination

• Using exhibits during direct examination

• Accrediting the proposed expert witness

• Getting the expert’s opinion

• Responding to DHS objections

• Making objections

• Re-Direct examination 

• Cross-Examination of DHS witnesses 

• Closing argument

What does the program encompass?

• Friday, May 17, 2024, from 12-2 PM ET: A 2-hour Zoom session on case analysis 

• Wednesday, May 29, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM ET each day: court skills training

Where is the program?

In Baltimore, Marland! Otherwise known as Charm City. At the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, 500 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201.

What are the accommodation options?

You may choose from many hotels within walking distance to the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. We have secured a hotel block at the Hampton Inn Baltimore-Downtown-Convention Center, 550 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230, which is just .3 miles away from the law school. Rooms are $129.00/night plus tax. This rate expires on April 28th.

What are the preparation expectations?

Prior to court skills program starting on May 29th, 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 assessment exercise.

Selected participants should expect to spend approximately 15 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 March 18, 2024 at 5 PM ET. 

How will NIPNLG select the participants?

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

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

NIPNLG will inform applicants of their status by March 20th COB ET. 

How do I register if I am selected?

If the application is approved, the applicant must submit the relevant registration fee to NIPNLG and sign a certification affirming an understanding of the strict attendance expectations by Monday, April 15 at 12PM ET. Failure to complete these requirements by Monday, April 15 at 12PM ET will result in the selected participant forfeiting their spot in this training.

What are the attendance requirements?

In addition to being present live for the 2-hour case analysis session on May 24th, selected participants are expected to be present for the entire court skills program from Wednesday, May 29, 2024 through Friday, May 31, 2024. Selected participants should plan to arrive on time every day. Selected participants should plan to arrive on time every day. Selected participants should not plan to leave before the program ends at 5:00PM on Friday. Selected participants should be mentally present during all aspects of the program, which includes answering email and taking calls during breaks only. 

Why are the attendance requirements so strict?

This program is 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.

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 and effort. As one past participant put it, “ I have had a few trials since [the NITA-NIPLG 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.”

If you have any questions, please email Michelle Mendez at mmendez@nipnlg.org.