Immigration Law: Your Career Guide To Success

Breaking into immigration law, or any legal field, can be challenging. A training contract straight out of university is a dream for many, but competition is fierce. An alternative route is to look for legal assistant, paralegal or consultant roles. These entry-level jobs will generally involve helping a solicitor or immigration caseworker advise their clients. As you learn and progress, you will take on more responsibility, such as researching and giving advice to clients. To get your foot in the door, consider gaining work experience by contacting local firms or those that stand out in legal directories. It's also a good idea to stay on top of industry news by following experts and interesting law firms on social media.

Entry-level roles: legal assistant, paralegal, or consultant

Legal Assistant

Legal assistants often work under the supervision of an immigration consultant or lawyer. Their duties include client communication, paperwork, and file management. Some employers require previous experience in immigration processes and procedures, while others offer entry-level positions with no experience required. A bachelor's degree is not always necessary, but it can be advantageous. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential for this role.

Paralegal

Immigration paralegals work with attorneys to help immigrants with citizenship, visas, asylum, and other immigration issues. They often act as translators, so being bilingual is highly beneficial. A two- or four-year degree is usually required, although some firms hire entry-level paralegals with only a high school degree. Knowledge of immigration law and strong clerical skills are essential. Paralegals must be able to communicate complex laws and processes to clients effectively and work well in a team.

Consultant

Immigration consultants guide clients through the complex web of laws and regulations surrounding the immigration process. They help clients understand immigration laws, assist with document preparation and submission, and counsel on the visa process. A bachelor's degree in a related field like law, international relations, or social sciences can be a good starting point. On-the-job training is often provided, and gaining relevant work experience through internships or entry-level positions is highly beneficial. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are important qualities for immigration consultants.

Drafting a strong CV: include work experience and what you've learned

A strong CV is essential to securing your first job in immigration law. Here are some tips for drafting a compelling CV that showcases your work experience and what you've learned:

• Format and Structure: Use a clear and easy-to-read format for your CV. Choose a standard font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri in size 11 or larger. Include headings and bullet points and a reverse chronological order for your work experience to make it easy for recruiters to navigate. Place your work experience section at the top half of your CV, right under your contact details and professional summary.
• Contact Information: Provide your full name, postal address, email address, and phone number at the beginning of your CV. You may also include a link to your professional profiles, such as LinkedIn. Ensure that your contact details are up-to-date and accurate.
• Introduction: Include a brief professional summary or introduction right below your contact information. This should be a few short lines that highlight who you are, your career goals, and why you are the right person for the job. Tailor this introduction to the specific job you are applying for in immigration law.
• Work Experience: List your former companies, roles, locations, and dates of employment. Focus on the experiences and accomplishments that are most relevant to immigration law. These may include internships, legal assistant roles, or paralegal positions. Describe your primary responsibilities and any notable achievements or awards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your experiences effectively.
• Skills and Competencies: Highlight the skills you have gained through your work experience and education. Provide specific examples of how you have utilised these skills to succeed in the past. For instance, if you are applying for a position as a legal assistant in an immigration law firm, you may emphasise your strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Education: Include your academic qualifications, such as your degree, diploma, or relevant certifications. If you are a recent graduate, you may also mention relevant courses, projects, or research experiences that have equipped you with valuable skills for a career in immigration law.
• What You've Learned: Besides listing your work experience, take the time to reflect on what you have learned from each role. For example, you may have gained valuable communication skills from a customer service position or enhanced your research abilities through a summer internship. Demonstrating self-awareness and a commitment to growth can set you apart from other candidates.
• Optional Sections: Consider including hobbies and interests that showcase additional skills. For instance, being the captain of a sports team demonstrates leadership and organisation skills. You can also mention relevant publications, industry-specific certifications, or awards received.
• Tailoring: Tailor your CV to the specific job you are applying for in immigration law. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description and demonstrate your interest in the field. This will help your CV stand out and increase your chances of securing an interview.
• Proofreading: Before submitting your CV, ask someone else to review it for grammar and spelling errors. A fresh pair of eyes can help catch any mistakes and ensure your CV is polished and professional.

Remember, your CV is a marketing tool to promote your skills and experiences. Take the time to draft and refine it, seeking feedback when necessary. A well-crafted CV will help you stand out as a strong candidate and increase your chances of securing that coveted job in immigration law.

Getting work experience: contact local firms or stand-out legal directories

Getting work experience is a crucial step in breaking into immigration law. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Contact Local Firms

First, identify local firms that specialize in immigration law. You can search for them online or through legal directories. Once you have a list of firms that interest you, reach out to them directly and inquire about work experience opportunities. Be prepared for some rejection, but don't let that deter you. Keep trying, and you may just find a firm willing to take you on.

Stand Out in Legal Directories

Legal directories, such as those offered by Fragomen, can be a great way to find work experience opportunities and make yourself stand out to potential employers. These directories often list firms specializing in immigration law and may include information on their current projects, clients, and staff. You can use this information to your advantage when reaching out to these firms, demonstrating your interest and knowledge of their work.

Build a Strong CV

When applying for work experience, a well-crafted CV is essential. Highlight any relevant degrees, summer jobs, and work experience you have. Additionally, showcase your passion for immigration law by mentioning relevant websites, books, or experts you follow in the field. This will help you stand out as a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate.

Network and Stay Informed

Follow prominent figures, law firms, and organizations in immigration law on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. This will help you stay informed about the latest developments in the field and show your interest in the area. Additionally, consider attending immigration law events, conferences, or workshops to network with professionals and learn more about the industry.

Be Prepared for Interviews

If you're successful in securing an interview for a work experience position, be sure to prepare thoroughly. Anticipate common interview questions and practice your answers. Think about your motivations for pursuing immigration law and be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. Remember to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to learn.

By following these steps and staying persistent in your search for work experience, you'll be well on your way to breaking into the field of immigration law.

Knowing your rights: learn what to do if stopped by police or immigration agents

If you are stopped by police or immigration agents, it is important to know your rights. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Stay calm and be polite. Do not run, argue, resist, or obstruct the police or agents. Keep your hands where they can be seen.
• If you are stopped in your car, pull over in a safe place as soon as possible. Turn off the engine, turn on the internal light, open the window halfway, and place your hands on the wheel.
• Upon request, show the police your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status.
• If you are questioned about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, your citizenship, or how you entered the country.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. If you are over 18, carry your immigration documents with you at all times.
• You have the right to refuse consent to a search of yourself, your car, or your home. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
• If you are arrested, you have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one immediately. If you are detained by immigration authorities, you have the right to consult a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you.
• If you believe your rights have been violated, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers, the agency they were from, and any other details. Get contact information from witnesses. If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of your injuries. File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
• Remember, regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.

The interview: prepare for common questions such as Why immigration law?

Preparing for common interview questions is a great way to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the question "Why immigration law?":

First, it is important to understand why interviewers ask this question. They want to know what your specific interests and motivations are and how they align with the role you are applying for. They are also interested in hearing about your career goals and how this position fits into your larger plan.

Next, you should review the job description and research the company to identify similarities between what is required and your natural strengths and interests. For example, if the role involves a lot of collaboration, you can mention your strong communication skills and passion for working with others.

When answering "Why immigration law?", it is crucial to be specific. Talk about what drew you to this particular area of law. For instance, you could say, "I have always been fascinated by immigration law because of its complex and ever-changing nature. The opportunity to help people navigate the challenges of relocating to a new country and starting a new life is what motivates me."

Additionally, you can discuss how your experiences and skills have prepared you for a career in immigration law. For example, you could mention any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic achievements that demonstrate your interest and suitability for the role.

Remember to be authentic and enthusiastic in your response. Interviewers want to see that you are genuinely passionate about immigration law and that your values align with the company's culture.

Finally, it is a good idea to prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer about the role. This shows your interest and engagement and helps you gather valuable information about the position and the company.

Frequently asked questions