Most law students will seek an internship at some point while earning their law degree to get practical experience in their field of choice. But not every law firm offers internships. 

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That might be because hiring an intern who’s a good fit for your immigration law firm can be tough. Where do you find a good intern? What will you assign them? How will you make sure that they find their internship fulfilling? This article, which follows our previous article looking at the benefits of having a legal intern in the first place, looks at what you as an immigration law firm should consider before hiring a legal intern, and then how to go about finding one.

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Let’s dive in.

Some considerations before hiring a legal intern for your immigration law firm

To attract high-quality interns, you should consider not just the help you’ll be getting from that intern but, perhaps even more importantly, the value the student will get out of the internship. It’s important to make every effort to provide a high-quality internship experience.

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Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before moving forward with creating an internship and starting your search for an intern.

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• What will your intern gain, in terms of experience and exposure to legal practice, by interning at your firm?

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• What kind of feedback and mentorship can an intern expect through your internship program?

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• What kind of time commitment are you looking for from your interns? 

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• How will you compensate your interns for their time and effort?

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Here are some steps you can follow to give your internship some shape: 

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• Create a format for the internship. What compensation will you offer, if any? And if you won’t or can’t pay, can the internship be for academic credit? What tasks will interns be assigned? Will the internship be in-person, remote, or hybrid?

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• Decide who will be responsible for the intern. If you’re a solo practitioner, this is self-explanatory, but at a firm with multiple associates or even partners, you should decide who will be responsible for the intern search, interviewing, hiring and training. Eventually, you will need to decide who will oversee the intern’s daily work, evaluate their performance, and provide. feedback.

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• Decide how many interns you will hire. Determining the number of interns your firm needs can help you figure out an internship budget, what work you will get help on, how many teams or staff members will get an intern, and so on. You would probably want to err on the side of too few interns rather than too many so you don’t spend more time managing and finding work for them than actually working on cases.

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Once you’ve decided on the number of interns you’re looking for, whether and how much you can pay them, the expected time commitment, and the kind of work they will be doing, it’s time to put together a job posting and get it out there to actually start recruiting.

Where to recruit legal interns for your immigration law firm

Now that you have defined what a legal internship at your firm will look like, it’s time to think about how to get your internship position in front of the most, and the best, possible candidates. This may include traditional hiring methods as well as more out-of-the-box ones.

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Here are five ways in which you can recruit legal interns for your immigration law firm.

1. Post internship opportunities at law schools through their career services office

Law schools often encourage students to look for internships through their career office or other similar center, and law students often look for internship opportunities here first. While the process likely differs from school to school, to post your internship opportunity at a specific law school, contact their career services office and ask for help on how to do that. Whether it’s the alma mater of an attorney at the firm or a simple Google search with the name of a local law school, most career services departments will be eager to talk to you and help.

Post internship opportunities on traditional job portals and websites

Online job boards almost always include internship opportunities in addition to full-time positions, so posting your internship on online job boards outside of the law school environment is critical to ensure you get in front of as many people as possible. This may include large job platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn, or even more locally focused listing websites like Craigslist.

Post internship opportunities on social media

You or someone at your law firm can share a link to your internship job application on social media, be it Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., with some comments about the firm, the basic requirements of the internship and instructions on how to apply. While sharing an internship opportunity via your personal social media profiles may not necessarily reach large swaths of potential legal interns, it may lead someone you know personally to refer a law student to apply, which is a great supplement to the traditional job posting methods already discussed.

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And if you’re not yet using social media to leverage your online presence to engage more directly with your current or prospective clients, or in this case prospective interns, by sharing knowledge and actionable advice and building connections, check out our tips on social media marketing to get started!

Post your internship openings on bar association or other specialized websites and listservs

Take advantage of specialized websites and listservs that law students and legal professionals use to search for jobs, such as the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, your state bar association, and of course the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

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Talk about internship opportunities at in-person events

We’ve discussed how in-person events are a great way to market your immigration law firm, and that also includes marketing internship opportunities. Law schools often have panels and Q&A sessions with lawyers in certain specialties, and there are conferences and events that students can attend. These are excellent opportunities to share what your firm does and how an internship at your firm can help law students interested in immigration law gain practical knowledge and experience. Make sure to leave some time to answer questions and provide a way for potential candidates to contact you to apply. 

Docketwise supports your law firm immigration case management

Having interns is a win-win. It’s a great way to educate and inspire the next generation of immigration lawyers while also helping your firm keep up with work, provide leadership opportunities for employees who want to manage interns, and potentially find future colleagues in those interns.

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At Docketwise, we strive to build an immigration case management, forms management, and CRM platform that grows with you as your immigration law firm grows. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit, our focus on building features for immigration law firms of all sizes, and our industry-first open API that connects Docketwise with other tools to help you optimize your work.

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If you’re new to Docketwise and would like to try and see if it’s a good fit for your firm, schedule a demo on our website today.

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If you’re an existing Docketwise client, thank you for preferring us for your immigration case management needs!

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Law school is highly theoretical and involves learning a broad range of principles that apply to different legal situations. This is why law students almost invariably pursue internships during law school to complement their studies. The practical experience that internships bring make the legal theory they learn in school make more sense, and better prepares them for actual legal practice upon graduation.

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This is especially true in the immigration law space. Law students typically complete one or two immigration-related classes - or whatever their law school has to offer - which means that if they want to dive deeper into the theory and get hands-on experience, legal internships at an immigration law firm, in-house team, or nonprofit are crucial. 

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The good thing is that legal internships benefit both the law student and the law firm. Having an intern can be a great way to teach a future attorney about the intricacies and challenges of immigration law and getting the intern’s help with legal research, brief writing, petition drafting, and more. Interns can also be excellent word-of-mouth referrals to their own networks - be they fellow students who are potential additional interns in future semesters or years, or even possible new clients.

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In this article — which is part one of a two-part series diving into the value of legal internships — we’re going to dive into the benefits of legal internships for immigration law firms and make a case as to why you as an immigration attorney should consider hiring or advocating for interns at your firm.

Five benefits of legal interns for immigration law firms

For immigration law firms, especially small or solo firms, it may feel like bringing on a legal intern may be more work than it’s worth. You have your groove, you know exactly where to look for files, how to research, etc., and the thought of spending hours teaching all this to an intern may be daunting. But interns can be highly beneficial to your firm in multiple respects. Let’s examine all the possibilities: 

Fresh perspectives

Legal interns, because they are current law students or recent graduates, may look at issues from a different point of view. First off, while you may be at the cutting edge of immigration law and policy updates, a law student can bring broader perspectives — from cutting edge criminal and civil litigation theories to business and labor law — which may help you work through cases in potentially new and unique ways. Additionally, because law students often work with local communities and nonprofits, usually through their schools, they may have a good feel for relevant topics in your community that you may not necessarily be aware of. Finally, interns can also give feedback about your website or marketing and social media strategy suggestions, though more on that later. 

Potential future hires

Mentoring legal interns can help them develop their confidence and leadership skills, putting them in an advantageous position when they begin their legal careers. But for you as an attorney, an internship can also be an opportunity to get a natural feel for their work style, ethic and quality once they become a lawyer, which, if they learn under you, can make them a natural fit to join your law firm as a first-year associate. Indeed, especially for solo and small law firms, interns often stay for multiple semesters and, by the time they graduate, feel like they’re part of the team, making it easy to hire them if there is enough work to justify the decision.

Extend your network

If an intern has a positive experience at your firm, they will likely continue to talk about it positively no matter where their career takes them. By referring to your firm as a great place to learn immigration law, other students may actively seek to intern at your firm in the future as well, creating a strong funnel of law students interested in immigration law and eager to learn. Plus, interns eventually enter the workforce and, whether they work at another firm or, in the employment-based immigration context, in-house at a company, they can become potential clients, or referral sources, in the future.

Technology and social media knowledge

Legal interns, who are almost always younger and thus more likely to be tech- and social media-savvy, often know about new technologies and social trends and may even be able to recommend how to leverage them more usefully. Interns can also be very helpful in outlining social media strategies, as they are traditionally better acquainted with new social media platforms as they become more prominent. Tasking a legal intern to help onboard a new legal tech platform or come up with social media content could be an excellent opportunity to allow them to show proactiveness and leadership skills and expose them to the marketing and business development sides of running a law practice - exposure that may be invaluable to them as a future employee of yours and, perhaps, even as a partner down the road. 

Legal interns can teach you how to interview and evaluate, potential future employees

Hiring interns can be an excellent opportunity to evaluate what you value in employees through what is effectively a short-term and low-risk work arrangement. Because some people may be terrific interviewees or superstars on paper but not as great a fit in practice, especially if you’re at a solo or small immigration law with limited or no experience in hiring employees, hiring interns can provide great practice conducting the interview process.

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Additionally, through the internship, you can assess what you like and dislike about their style, work ethic, personality, etc., which can help you determine the kind of coworkers you might like to have in the future. And of course, as noted above, if the intern is a good fit, hiring them instead of someone completely new can be a great decision as well.

A few important things to remember with interns

Remember that interns need to be coached, trained, and supported throughout their internships. If you cannot provide the mentorship an intern requires, it may be best to avoid taking on any until you’re ready to devote at least some time and energy to training and supporting them. An intern that doesn’t have any support becomes more time-consuming and costly to your firm, and such a situation has the potential to be a negative experience for them as a law student as well, which may lead to errors in their work product, lack of motivation, negative references about your firm in the future, and so on.

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Finally, and especially if you’re relatively new to hiring legal interns, ask them for feedback periodically, not just during their exit interview. Ask for their input in your administrative processes, how you handle your case management, and their overall experience at your firm regarding their understanding of applying the law and learning new skills and information. Not only will this help you be a better mentor to future potential interns, it may actually give you some insight into how you’re running your firm.

Optimize your immigration case management with Docketwise

Immigration law interns are often learning everything from scratch, including how to use their new employer’s technology. If you’re a Docketwise user for your immigration case management, we have abundant materials and regular training to get your interns up to speed on the Docketwise platform and help them help you as effectively as they can.

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Docketwise is the only immigration case management platform with an open API and numerous integrations to help you build a tech stack for your firm that will best streamline your process, improve efficiency, and enhance communication and client satisfaction. 

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To learn more about Docketwise, schedule a demo on our website!

The ETA 9141 form, also known as the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination form, holds significant importance for employers seeking to hire foreign workers. This necessary form is crucial in ensuring fair compensation for foreign and American workers by establishing the appropriate wage application level for a specific job position.

Nevertheless, navigating the complexities of the ETA 9141 filing process can be a challenging task for employers and immigration lawyers alike. The form requires meticulous attention to detail, as it demands comprehensive information about the job position, including duties, requirements, and the proposed wage. Additionally, employers must navigate prevailing wage rates, which vary based on the occupation and geographical location.

Fortunately, in order to streamline and optimize the ETA-9141 filing process, immigration lawyers can harness the power of immigration law firm technology like Docketwise. Our innovative software is designed to simplify the filing process and enhance efficiency, allowing immigration lawyers to provide exceptional services to their clients and save the employer time on manually sending prevailing wage requests.

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In this comprehensive article, we'll explore how Docketwise can help you streamline your ETA 9141 applications on behalf of your clients to ensure a swift process and positive outcomes. But, before we get to the part where we explain how our state-of-the-art case management software solution can help your efforts, let's first review the ETA 9141 form as a whole and see why it's so important for the modern-day U.S. workforce and legal system. 

The ETA 9141 Form: Explained

The ETA 9141 form, officially known as the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, is a document or, more precisely, a form that determines the prevailing wage for a specific job position, ensuring that foreign workers are compensated fairly and that American workers are not adversely affected by wage suppression.

The ETA form 9141 is required by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as part of the labor certification process, which is a crucial step in the onboarding of foreign labor. Employers must submit this form to obtain a prevailing wage determination, which is a benchmark for establishing the appropriate wage level for a particular job position.

By setting a prevailing wage, the ETA 9141 form aims to prevent wage suppression, maintain fair employment conditions, and safeguard the rights of both foreign and domestic workers. In other words, it ensures that foreign workers are not exploited through low wages while also preventing the displacement of American workers by foreign labor willing to accept substandard compensation. The form reflects the government's commitment to promoting fair employment practices and safeguarding the welfare of both domestic and foreign workers.

For workers, the correct filing of the ETA 9141 form ensures compliance with the labor certification process, which is necessary for various employment-based visa categories, such as the H-1B, H-2B, and PERM programs. 

The ETA 9141 filing process involves providing comprehensive information about the job position, including its duties, educational requirements, experience levels, and any other relevant factors that may affect the determination of the prevailing wage. This information is then submitted to the DOL for review and evaluation.

Employers must navigate the complexities of the form ETA-9141 accurately to meet the requirements of the U.S. legal system and contribute to a fair and balanced labor market. And as you already know, this is precisely where employers seek assistance from professional immigration lawyers who usually file the ETA 9141 form on behalf of their clients for their future employees. 

Immigration Lawyers Play A Crucial Role When It Comes To ETA 9141 Filing

Immigration lawyers are vital in assisting employers with filing and processing the ETA 9141 form. Their expertise and knowledge of immigration laws and regulations enable them to navigate the complexities of the filing process effectively. Here are some ways immigration lawyers help with ETA 9141 filings:

• Expert guidance. Immigration lawyers and law firms provide specialist guidance and advice to employers throughout the ETA 9141 filing process and follow the ETA 9141 processing time. They ensure employers understand the requirements and obligations associated with the form, helping them gather the necessary information and documentation.
• Form preparation. Immigration lawyers assist employers in accurately completing the ETA form 9141. They review the job position details provided by the employer and help ensure that all required information is included. Immigration attorneys have experience handling such filings, which helps minimize errors and increase the chances of a successful application.
• Prevailing wage determination. Immigration lawyers assist employers in determining the appropriate prevailing wage for the position specified in the ETA 9141 form. They research and analyze wage data to ensure compliance with prevailing wage standards set by the U.S. Department of Labor. Lawyers can help employers understand wage levels in the specific occupation and geographical area, ensuring they comply with the prevailing wage requirements.
• Supporting documentation. Immigration lawyers help employers gather and organize the supporting documentation required for the ETA 9141 filing. This may include job descriptions, educational requirements, experience levels, and other relevant information. Lawyers ensure that all supporting documents are accurate, complete, and properly presented, enhancing the chances of a successful filing.
• Compliance review. Immigration legal professionals thoroughly review the ETA form 9141 and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with all applicable immigration laws and regulations. They verify that the information provided is accurate, consistent, and aligns with the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor. This compliance review helps minimize the risk of delays, rejections, or requests for additional information.
• Communication with Government agencies. Immigration attorneys liaise between employers and government agencies involved in the ETA 9141 filing process. They communicate with the U.S. Department of Labor and other relevant agencies on behalf of employers, addressing any inquiries, clarifications, or additional documentation requests that may arise during the processing of the application.
• Timely filings and deadlines. Immigration professionals ensure employers meet all filing deadlines associated with the ETA 9141 form. They help employers navigate timelines, submit the application within the required timeframe, and stay updated on any changes or updates related to the filing process.
• Case monitoring and follow-up. Immigration lawyers monitor the progress of the ETA 9141 filing, tracking its status and ensuring that the application is processed in a timely manner. They follow up with government agencies, address any issues or concerns that arise during the ETA 9141 processing time, and provide employers with updates on the status of their applications.

By leveraging the expertise of immigration lawyers, employers can navigate the ETA 9141 filing process efficiently and effectively. Lawyers help ensure compliance with immigration laws, minimize errors and delays, and increase the likelihood of a successful application. Their support and guidance contribute to a smooth and streamlined filing experience for employers seeking to hire foreign workers.

Docketwise Can Help You Simplify And Expedite Your ETA 9141 Filings 

Immigration lawyers can significantly benefit from utilizing Docketwise, an innovative immigration case management software, when it comes to ETA-9141 filings. Put differently, with the help of Docketwise, lawyers can streamline the entire process, saving valuable time and effort. 

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The software provides a user-friendly interface that guides lawyers through the intricacies of accurately completing the ETA 9141 form. Clear instructions and prompts ensure that all necessary information is included, reducing the likelihood of errors or omissions. 

Additionally, Docketwise offers automation features that eliminate repetitive manual data entry. For example, lawyers can input common information once, and the software intelligently populates the relevant fields across multiple forms, including the ETA 9141. This automation saves time and enhances accuracy and consistency throughout the filing process.

Moreover, Docketwise allows lawyers to keep track of the ETA 9141 processing time effectively as it provides advanced case management capabilities, enabling lawyers to monitor the progress of their clients' ETA-9141 filings in real time. 

As a result, lawyers can easily access and review the status of each application, ensuring timely follow-up and addressing any potential issues promptly. By having a clear overview of the ETA 9141 processing time, lawyers can better manage their caseloads, allocate resources efficiently, and provide accurate client updates.

With Docketwise, attorney lawyers can optimize their workflow, save valuable time, and provide exceptional services to their clients in the complex landscape of ETA 9141 filings. Below, we’ll explain how a Docketwise user can make the most out of the software’s smart forms to file an ETA 9141 form successfully. 

ETA 9141 Form Filing With Docketwise

Docketwise offers the convenience of electronically filing the ETA 9141 form through its Smart Forms feature, significantly enhancing efficiency. By inputting the required information into Docketwise, users can seamlessly generate a novel ETA 9141 application on their synced DOL FLAG (Department of Labor: Foreign Labor Application Gateway) account with a couple of mouse-button clicks. This streamlined process eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures that all the necessary information is accurately transferred to the official application, saving valuable time and effort.

Nevertheless, to access the eFiling feature on Docketwise, it is necessary to be a subscriber of the Docketwise Suite. The Suite subscription offers a range of additional features beyond eFiling that can significantly benefit professional users. 

By clicking here, you can explore and learn more about the various features and advantages available with a Docketwise Suite subscription. Unlocking the full potential of the Suite subscription will provide users with comprehensive tools and resources to streamline their immigration case management process. 

Account Activation And Synchronization

To begin the process, first of all, you will have to synchronize your DOL FLAG and Docketwise accounts. Here’s how you can do that: 

1. Enter your DOL FLAG account at login.gov, which provides a secure login platform.
2. Go to the specific ETA form 9141 you wish to e-file within Docketwise.
3. Inside the ETA 9141 smart form in Docketwise, click the "eFile this form on flag.dol.gov" option.
4. Type in the email address connected with your login.gov credentials in Docketwise.
5. Enter the password linked to your login.gov account in Docketwise.
6. Click the provided secure.login.gov link to activate the authentication app.
7. In the secure.login.gov platform, provide a nickname of your choosing (e.g., Docketwise) to the app for easy identification.
8. Under Step 3 of the authentication app setup in secure.login.gov, click the "Copy" button to obtain the code.
9. Return to Docketwise and paste the code from login.gov into the "Flag.dol OTP Secret" spot.
10. Click the link provided in Docketwise to recover the OTP secret.
11. Copy the code that appears right after clicking the link in the software.
12. In secure.login.gov, paste the generated code by Docketwise into the place designated for the provisional code in Step 4 of the authentication.
13. Click the "Submit" button on secure.login.gov.
14. Finally, in Docketwise, click on the "Sync" button.

After finishing these phases or steps, your Docketwise and DOL FLAG accounts will be synchronized. In addition, Docketwise will create a new ETA 9141 case within your DOL account, allowing you to proceed with your filing process seamlessly.

E-Filing An ETA form 9141 In Docketwise

After synchronizing the accounts, to proceed with the electronic filing of the ETA 9141 form, please follow the simple procedure outlined below:

1. In Docketwise, go to the specific ETA 9141 form you intend to e-file.
2. Within Docketwise, locate the option "eFile this form on flag.dol.gov" inside the actual ETA 9141 smart form and click on it.
3. Enter the password connected with your login.gov credentials in the designated field within Docketwise.
4. Click the "Sync" button in the software to synchronize the information.
5. Now, access your DOL FLAG account by logging in at flag.dol.gov.
6. Within the DOL FLAG portal, navigate to the "Cases" section.
7. Look for the ETA 9141 that you wish to continue filing and click the "Edit" button associated with it.

By following these steps, you can proceed with the electronic filing of your ETA 9141 form smoothly and efficiently.

In Conclusion

In summary, Docketwise is a game-changer in the realm of immigration case management, offering a seamless experience for ETA 9141 filings, among many other relocation procedures. By embracing this innovative tool, users can save valuable time and effort, ensuring a streamlined and successful filing process. 

Contact our representatives and sign up to try the demo version to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to leverage the power of Docketwise to simplify and expedite your ETA 9141 filings, ultimately saving time and effort while achieving tremendous success in the immigration landscape.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has actually been observing May as such since 1949, and this year’s NAMI Mental Health Awareness Month slogan is “More Than Enough.”

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The mental demands of legal work can take a toll on any lawyer’s well-being, but for immigration lawyers, it can be particularly challenging. Furthermore, because immigration lawyers, statistically, may not get paid as much as attorneys in other specialties, worrying about finances adds to the stress.

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In this article, we’re exploring the importance of paying attention to mental health for immigration lawyers and sharing some suggestions for how to address it.

The general state of mental health in the legal profession

In 2016 the ABA ran a study and found that 28% of the lawyers that responded to the survey experienced depression, 19% experienced anxiety, and 23% experienced stress. “The ABA study also found that 20.6% of the lawyers reported problematic alcohol use.” 

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Two other 2016 studies show high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders among law students, showing that lawyers’ mental health becomes compromised from the time they start training for the profession: “25 percent of law students are at risk for alcoholism, 17 percent of law students suffer from depression, 37 percent of law students report mild to severe anxiety, 6 percent of law students report having suicidal thoughts in the last year.” 

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Law students will not ask for help when they are struggling out of fear of not being admitted to the bar or becoming less eligible for jobs later on. Among practicing lawyers, the results aren’t much better: “28 percent of lawyers suffered from depression, 19 percent of lawyers had severe anxiety, 11.4 percent of lawyers had suicidal thoughts in the previous year”.

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In 2022, the ABA found that alcohol use disorders and mental health problems continue to be present in the legal profession at higher rates than in other disciplines and the general population.

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And when we focus on the immigration industry, because many immigration lawyers have strong connections to immigrant communities or are immigrants themselves, the general challenges of law practice are compounded with a greater sense of empathy with and sometimes personal responsibility for their clients. Some of the effects of this emotional toll immigration lawyers take can include what’s called “secondary trauma” as well as burnout. 

What is secondary trauma, and what does it look like? 

Secondary trauma, also known as “secondary traumatic stress” or “compassion fatigue,” occurs when an individual is exposed to others who have experienced trauma and, through that exposure, themselves start to experience symptoms of that trauma. This is not uncommon in immigration law, especially for attorneys who work on humanitarian cases such as asylum, removal proceedings, family separation, VAWA, U visas and more. 

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The Department of Health and Human Services outlines symptoms in four categories — behavioral, cognitive, physical, and emotional — as well as solutions that include steps individuals can take on their own or in the context of colleagues and team members. Some of these solutions are mentioned below in this article. 

What is burnout, and how does it affect lawyers?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may be experiencing burnout if you feel so overwhelmed that making simple decisions at work or in your personal life feels overwhelming. Burnout also involves feeling exhausted and sluggish and experiencing such high levels of stress that you become easily angry or frustrated, leading to that paralysis where functioning at a basic level may be incredibly difficult.

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One of the things that medical professionals like the Cleveland Clinic warn of when it comes to burnout is that many people don’t realize they are in a state of burnout until it’s too late, and they are crashing. It’s imperative to keep the signs of burnout in mind and check in with yourself, especially during hectic times at work. The Mayo Clinic provides a great questionnaire anyone can use to check on their level of burnout.

Five ways to manage your mental health as a lawyer

There are measures you can take to ensure your mental health is supported as you navigate challenges in your clients’ cases and in maintaining your business. Here are some helpful tips.

Take care of your physical health. 

Keeping your body healthy through exercise and nutrition is a great way to help manage mental health via physical health. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead of time or using a meal subscription service to ensure that you have a healthy diet, scheduling in time to exercise as part of your day, even if you’re just taking a walk, playing outside with your kids or walking up and down the stairs rather than taking the elevator. Finally, making sure you get ample sleep, and hydration, are key to a healthy daily routine.

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According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, exercise “improves brain and cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depression, improves sleep, and improves the overall quality of life.” 

Build a support system, both professionally and personally. 

The support system of a lawyer may include their professional network, friends and family, and mentors. Reach out to your professional network not only for case-related topics but also to discuss how to handle the emotional toll of the work - whether the cases you’re working on, teammates, government policies and more.

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The University of Michigan School of Medicine states that having positive, fulfilling personal relationships across different social circles improves your self-esteem, helps build a sense of belonging, and helps reduce stress. Knowing that you have people in your life who have your back can improve your well-being, and by being part of other people’s support systems, you can help improve theirs too.

Make time for hobbies and interests outside of work.

Hobbies that allow you to nurture other parts of your life and engage in activities that bring you joy outside of work can help bring a level of balance to your life that is positive for your wellbeing. What matters the most is that your chosen hobby is enjoyable and means something to you: pursuits can be creative, athletic, academic, entertaining, or anything in between. Regardless of the activity, people who engage in hobbies have reported improvements in their well-being, including reduced cortisol (stress hormone) levels, a decrease in anxiety and depression, and feeling a greater sense of connection with others.

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If you struggle to make time for your hobbies, include it in your schedule the same way you would other appointments. For example, Saturday morning between 7 and 8 am is quiet knitting time, reading time, or action-figure painting time, or whatever other hobby you’d like to dedicate more time to.

Set boundaries around work and maintain them. 

Boundaries are “defined rules or limits that someone establishes to protect their security and wellbeing around others.” If you are a solo practitioner and struggle to respect the boundaries you’ve set for work consistently, enlist someone in your support system to be your accountability partner and check in with you.

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Boundaries vary depending on the different environments you’re in. For example, at work, boundaries may involve being clear and direct with your clients and staff members about what you need and how you work, sticking to a schedule, and understanding that, while it is possible to work all the time, it’s not necessarily healthy to do so. Another way to set boundaries at work may be deciding on a specific case type or types for your practice and not accept any others.

Talk to a mental health professional

While all the aforementioned methods of managing mental health are important, speaking to a therapist, psychologist, coach or other mental health professional is always a good idea.

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Admittedly, there’s still a significant stigma around seeking assistance in managing mental health issues. But sometimes knowing what to look for in a mental health professional can help you get comfortable with finding and working with one. If you’re unsure when to seek professional help, consider whether you feel like you can’t think clearly and whether getting an unbiased perspective would help you sort through your feelings, whether you feel not in control of your emotions or feelings, and as a result, struggling with making simple decisions, or if you’re turning to substance use in order to deal with mental health challenges.

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There is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding mental health, especially for attorneys. The work is hard, the hours are long, the pay can be less-than-ideal and the stakes are often quite high. These factors, in addition to everything else life throws at us, can add up to mental health challenges. Hopefully this article served as a reminder about the importance of taking care of ourselves and each other, and a few ideas about how to do that.

Docketwise: a streamlined platform to prevent case management overwhelm 

A simplified,streamlined immigration law practice can bring a sense of calm amid the ongoing demands of immigration law casework, and having the right tools to ensure this can help. Docketwise’s cloud-based immigration case management and client relationship management (CRM) platform provides a smooth, one-stop solution for all your case management needs.

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With our easy-to-use client questionnaires, industry-leading API integrations, 24/7 customer support and other cutting-edge features, Docketwise lets you stay on top of all your cases, easily communicate with your clients, and otherwise build and manage your law firm in a way that makes you happy, helps you reach your goals, and ultimately makes this practice enjoyable and sustainable.

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To learn more about Docketwise, schedule a demo on our website and subscribe to our Immigration Briefings newsletter to continue learning about Docketwise and all things immigration and technology.

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Many immigration lawyers cherish the ability to practice independently and maintain a law practice closely aligned with their values, motivations, and goals. But over time, your firm may grow to the point where bringing on a partner is necessary to sustain that growth or, perhaps, to allow you to step away from the day-to-day development of the firm while still keeping it afloat.

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In prior articles we’ve shared insights on hiring support staff in different areas, from virtual receptionists and paralegals to contract attorneys. This article, however, will focus on a more consequential staffing decision: taking an immigration law firm partner.

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Here are some considerations you might take into account as you work through the process of searching for and choosing a law firm partner for your immigration law firm.

Determine if you want a partner to focus on the same or different immigration case types 

If you’ve decided to take a partner to broaden your immigration law firm’s offerings, one way to approach the partnership is by bringing on an expert in a different field of law from what you know and practice. For example, if you currently specialize in marriage-based adjustment of status applications and you want to expand the breadth of your firm’s practice, look for a partner that has experience working with employment-based visas to supplement your expertise.

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If, instead, you would like a partner to support the same specialty that your firm already focuses on to grow even more, you will likely want someone with a similar set of skills and track record. In this case you may want to look at how a prospective partner organizes their cases, approaches client onboarding, maintains client relationships and more to see whether your values and goals align. Alignment is crucial in a partnership focused on expanding an existing client base.

Decide on a compensation structure for the partnership

Most law firms follow single-tier or two-tier partnerships. A single-tier partnership is an equal partnership where partners share equity, and their compensation is directly connected to the revenue they bring to the firm. Often, equity partners don’t take a salary, so if this is the model you decide to go with, make sure this is something your new partner can handle financially. 

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In a two-tier partnership, most partners are “non-equity” partners in that they may have a say in the critical decision-making process, help bring in business, and carry the “partner” name but are not “owners” of the law firm. Non-equity partners, thus, don’t get a set share of law firm profits but rather receive a salary. 

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Any conversations about a partnership must include a discussion about compensation structure. You can follow different models and even design a unique salary/equity split that is attractive to a new prospective partner and compensates their value to the firm. It is essential while remaining fair to you and your business.

Establish client acquisition expectations for the new partner

There are two possibilities for a new partner and the clients they may bring to your firm: they may not have many at first but work to bring on new clients, or they may already have a client base that will follow them and thus become your firm’s clients. If your new partner is not bringing in new clients, it may be wise to account for that in the partnership agreement by, e.g., setting a lower salary or equity in the initial phases of the partnership with an agreement to increase it as the new partner starts to bring in more new business.

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If your new partner is bringing their clients with them, your partnership agreement should also cover whether they will make all or part of the revenue generated from those cases once they become your partner.

Rename the law firm or keep it the same

Law firms with more than one name seem to carry with them, for better or worse, a perception of size and thus prestige, experience, and success. Reflecting on your firm's growth by adding a new partner’s name to the official firm's name may be a clever branding tactic to continue positioning your firm as a leader in your field of immigration law. However, it’s also possible that changing your firm's name and bringing in a new partner may cause confusion among existing clients, make them feel like the firm is changing, or otherwise disrupt your existing branding and marketing efforts. 

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If you do decide to change your firm's name to include a new partner, one consideration is to allow your clients to get to know the new partner first. Some ideas on how to do this may include:

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• A series of posts on your law firm blog from the new partner on certain topics.
• Hosting a webinar with the new partner and sharing it on social media 
• Having an in-person event in your client community with the new partner
• Announcing your partner first via a law firm newsletter or other communication

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Change can be scary, but growth often requires change. And if you’ve decided to bring on a partner for the first time as an immigration lawyer, there are major decisions to make along the way, as noted above. Ultimately, however, remember that the goal of any business is to support its clients. So however you decide to pursue your new partners, and whether you change your firm name or not, etc., as long as you continue to provide a great service to your clients, you’re moving in the right direction.

As your law firm grows, Docketwise immigration case management grows with it

Designed by immigration lawyers for immigration lawyers, Docketwise is the #1 immigration case management platform on the market. With our entire library of immigration forms, easy-to-use client questionnaires, and industry-leading API integrations, Docketwise helps you stay current on immigration cases, communicate easily with your clients, and build and manage your immigration law firm.

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Indeed, our platform allows you to track your cases and make data-driven decisions, which can be especially important during the early days of a new partnership, and thus keep you focused on achieving your law firm growth goals.

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If you want to learn more about Docketwise, schedule a demo or sign up for our Immigration Briefings newsletter for daily and weekly immigration updates!

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For any small business owner, hiring and retaining staff is critical. It may be, in fact, more important than ever: according to data from the Pew Research Center, the US saw a 20-year high in the number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs as part of the more significant phenomenon commonly referred to as the Great Resignation. Immigration law firms are no exception.

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Many who’ve left their jobs voluntarily in the last few years did so due to, in part, unsatisfactory benefits and lack of flexibility in their work arrangements. So it’s essential to consider what benefits your immigration firm offers new and existing team members and whether or not they elevate the quality of your work environment overall.

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This article dives into common benefits your immigration law firm should have as well as other, more modern, benefits that you can consider providing as well, as a way to attract and retain talent in 2023 and beyond.

Traditional benefits you should offer your immigration law firm employees

Salary isn’t the only thing that matters to an employee considering your law firm for the next step in their career; employee benefits are just as significant. Some benefits have become standard practice in compensation packages, so let’s explore those first.

Health insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the need for comprehensive healthcare for many families; however, healthcare, along with competitive pay, is one of the most important benefits a potential employee looks at when thinking about a great place to work. Small firms typically will only be able to offer one or two plan options; whatever you can offer, try to select plans that provide comprehensive coverage options that are clear to employees. If you’re concerned about how much this will cost, consider business health insurance options created through the Affordable Care Act or compare private insurance options to get the best price.

Dental and vision insurance

Sometimes, you can add these to your general health insurance package, but there are also individualized dental and vision plans you can offer. While adding more expensive options to a health insurance package may seem counterintuitive, dental and eye treatments can be costly yet unavoidable in some cases (for example, for an employee that wears prescription glasses). When you, as an employer, provide as many ways as possible to eliminate barriers to maintaining physical health, your employees can stay engaged in their work, which results in better outcomes for your firm and your clients. 

Retirement plans

Offering a retirement plan to your employees shows you are invested in their future, especially if you offer a company match. In addition, tax benefits are available to small businesses that provide retirement plans thanks to an expanded tax credit for small businesses that offer retirement plans. To help your employees maximize their retirement, you can offer financial advising sessions to help them plan for their future. Many companies that offer retirement accounts have online financial education and planning webinars, planning calculators, and other tools accessible to your employees from anywhere. To review retirement options for small businesses, check out some resources provided by the US Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service. 

Transparent PTO or vacation policy

Paid time off (PTO) refers to vacation days or other instances where employees get paid while out of the office, such as bereavement leave. In recent years, unlimited paid time off has become more prevalent in different industries. However, in reality, most companies don’t give blanket total time off but provide flexibility on taking time off as work permits. Whatever route you choose, when employees have the flexibility to step out as needed and build a better work-life balance, as long as it doesn’t harm the business, that may actually help to increase their productivity and develop a sense of trust among everyone at the firm. Transparency is key to a successful PTO policy so ensure employees understand your time off policy and how to request time off. 

Additional modern benefits to help attract and retain immigration law firm employees

Going beyond the traditional employee benefits shows that you care about your employees’ well-being and invest in them as professionals and people. The return on investment of retaining employees through a robust benefits package also reflects Value on Investment (VOI), which goes beyond ROI regarding cases completed and fees collected. It looks at how satisfied your employees are at their jobs, how productive they are, and to what extent they avoid serious health issues, burnout, and other situations that ultimately cause not just their well-being, but law firm productivity as well, to suffer.

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Here are some of the benefits that have emerged in recent years that are attractive and beneficial to employees.

Reproductive health and family planning

These benefits have become more prevalent in workplaces nationwide as part of different diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These benefits could include financial support in fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which can cost thousands of dollars, paid leave time after a miscarriage, or legal and financial support for people, singles or otherwise, looking to adopt a child. The level to which these benefits are becoming more commonplace speaks to how much employees appreciate them and how companies’ understanding of healthcare expands to include how people engage in family planning.

Wellness benefits

These may include supporting both physical and mental health. Physical wellness benefits may consist of discounted gym memberships, meal planning services, etc. By contrast, mental health support may include access to therapy, counseling services, and other forms of support so that employees can take care of themselves. 

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It’s important to note that expanding these benefits requires a company culture that supports employee well-being, including an environment where employees feel safe discussing any possible issues and trust and empathy between employees and management. 

Volunteer opportunities

When volunteering decreases in society, it increases in the workplace. Developing employee volunteer programs engages employees in causes that matter to them and meets a company’s charitable goals by matching employee donations. Volunteer opportunities can also allow you to see your employees develop skills like leadership and collaborative problem-solving. Like with other benefits, getting feedback from your staff on volunteer opportunities they would appreciate helps develop firm culture, which in turn strengthens employee retention and makes hiring individuals who align with that culture easier.

Flexible work arrangements

These may include choosing where employees work, how many days they’re required to come into the office or whether they can work remotely full-time. Indeed, studies are finding that employees seek alternative employment if their current employers don’t offer flexible work options. Flexible work arrangements increase productivity, employee engagement, career longevity, and retention. Moreover when employees have a say in their schedules and work arrangements this helps build a sense of belonging and empowerment at work.

Scale your immigration law firm seamlessly with Docketwise

As your firm grows and your benefits become more robust, your firm will need tech that can keep up.

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So if you're looking for a modern, cloud-based, and flexible immigration case management and client relationship management (CRM) platform to help you run your immigration law firm, Docketwise is here for you.

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Our CRM, easy-to-use client questionnaires, and industry-leading API integrations, Docketwise lets you stay current on all your cases, communicate easily with your clients, and otherwise build and manage your law firm.

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To learn more about Docketwise, schedule a demo on our website and subscribe to our Immigration Briefings newsletter to continue learning about Docketwise and all things immigration and technology.

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Immigration law firms have unique challenges when it comes to managing their affairs. But answering how to manage a small law firm is more complex than many licensed attorneys would like.

From dealing with immigration policy changes to managing clients’ expectations, there is a lot that small immigration law firms need to consider in their day-to-day operations. By definition, a small law firm can range from just one attorney to a maximum of ten, so resources and time are often limited.

Of course, here lies another challenge. Small law firms face formidable challenges when competing with larger firms with more resources and staffing.

However, there are ways in which small law firms can leverage their strengths and differentiate themselves to stand out in the market. One of the most effective strategies is cultivating client relationships while delivering top-quality legal service.

Managing an immigration law firm and helping your clients receive their green cards is no easy feat. But with the proper guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you operate correctly.

Managing a Small Law Firm Versus Large Law Firms: Differences and Challenges

Small law firms face unique challenges compared to their larger counterparts. They have fewer resources, including limited budgets and fewer employees, and need the established reputation that larger firms enjoy. 

However, managing a small law firm has advantages, such as agility in a dynamic market, offering competitive rates, and developing more significant personal connections with their clients.

When it comes to immigration law in particular, small firms might find themselves in a tough spot, trying to stay on top of a comprehensive legal US ecosystem. Apart from staying up-to-date with constantly changing immigration policies and regulations, they must also develop an understanding of the different cultures and languages that their clients bring. 

Common Mistakes When Managing a Small Law Firm

We mentioned that keeping up with the latest immigration policy changes can be pretty arduous. But to provide the best legal representation, legal professionals must scrutinize each policy.

That being said, clients and legal practitioners can stay informed about changes in immigration laws by regularly reviewing the websites of the primary regulatory agencies that govern immigration. These agencies include the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State (DOS), and the Department of Labor (DOL). 

The USCIS manages lawful immigration to the United States, including the processes for immigration visas, naturalization, and other related issues. The DOS oversees immigrant visa processing and maintains the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), which allows individuals to check the status of applications. Meanwhile, the DOL administers and enforces laws related to employer-provided visas and monitors workplace conditions for foreign employees.

Other government agencies can play a role in immigration law. The Department of Justice (DOJ) oversees the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), responsible for conducting immigration court proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) manages border security and anti-terrorism efforts, and its agencies (including Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement) enforce immigration laws.

With that out of the way, let’s explore the other significant challenges small immigration firms might face and share essential tips on managing your firm effectively.

Lack of Strategic Planning

One of the universal challenges affecting all law firms, regardless of whether they specialize in immigration or personal injury defense, is the lack of strategic planning. Law firms must develop a clear and concise mission statement and set specific goals and objectives to achieve it. 

However, many firms need to establish a comprehensive strategic plan, which can lead to a lack of focus and direction. With a clear roadmap, law firms may take advantage of opportunities to improve their services and expand their client base.

And once they outline their goals, only then can they pinpoint just what kind of solutions they require to optimize their workflow, such as case management software to help them better manage an increasing number of clients.

When planning a comprehensive strategy, ensure that the following points are on the board in your law firm:

• Differentiation. Identify the firm's unique selling proposition that differentiates it from its competitors. This could include specialized knowledge, past successes, or a unique approach to client service.

• Service Offerings. Consider adding services that are in high demand. Assess the firm's current service offerings and identify areas for improvement or expansion.

• Marketing and Branding. Develop a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy to increase visibility and establish the firm's reputation as an expert in resolving immigration challenges. This may include creating a solid online presence, attending relevant conferences and events, and building strategic partnerships with other businesses and organizations.

• Technology. Invest in and utilize technology to streamline internal processes and improve client service. This may include adopting case management software or using social media for communication with clients.

• Team Development. Identify opportunities for team training and development to ensure that the firm's attorneys and legal professionals remain up-to-date on changes to immigration laws and procedures. This may involve attending relevant training courses, seminars, and conferences.

Poor Time Management

Taking on too many immigration cases might back every small law firm into a corner, lead to crunching working hours, and impede the quality of your legal representation process. Many small firm attorneys' daily activities only pertain to practicing law.

It is, therefore, essential to explore solutions that can enhance productivity, just as if you had expert hands providing sterling legal assistance for immigrants seeking to migrate to the United States legally.

One of the best things any small law firm can do is find the best immigration case management software and leverage it to streamline internal processes and improve their service delivery. With the aid of case management software, small law firms can easily manage clients' case files, schedule appointments, and automate routine administrative tasks, saving them considerable time and effort.

Failure to Leverage Technology

There’s not a field across all industries that have not benefited from technology in one way or another. And as things stand, almost all successful law firms leverage technology to a certain extent to streamline workflows.

Immigration law firms with the right software solution can collect, manage, and store clients' data without a hitch. Plus, the case initiation process is as simple as it can be with multilanguage smart form compatibility. Docketwise supports Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Chinese, and other languages.

In addition to that, Docketwise’s Amazon S3 (AWS Cloud Storage) ensures that all your data is safe as it houses state-of-the-art security precautions such as:

• ACL (Access Control List)
• Default encryption
• Enforced encryption of data in transit
• Permission checks
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• SOC 1, 2, and 3 Certification

4. Ignoring Financial Management

A law firm must implement proper financial procedures or hire an accountant to avoid late tax payments, cash flow problems, and inaccurate financial records. 

These problems can negatively affect the law firm and its clients. For example, inaccurate financial records or cash flow problems can lead to malpractice claims or ethical violations. 

Docketwise can help you track time as you work and create time entries. You can then implement those time entries into your invoices so that clients know exactly how much you charge for your legal practice services.

How to Manage a Small Law Firm Better

As a law firm owner, knowing how to manage a small law firm effectively can make all the difference in the world. You must constantly adapt to and overcome the various law firm challenges you and your team of attorneys face. The biggest favor you can do for your entire firm is to harness the power of evolving technology to set you up for long-term success and ensure your law firm stays competitive in today’s fast-paced business climate.

All in all, using immigration case management software will help you embark on a path toward running a law practice that’s streamlined, digitalized, and effective. So don’t wait; explore the features of Docketwise and see how it can benefit your immigration law firm.

Immigration law is a multidimensional discipline. Sometimes it’s straightforward, like an application for permanent residency or citizenship for a client. Other times, immigration law may intersect with other areas of law, such as criminal law, ethics violations, and federal litigation and more.

In this article, we’ve shared some of the essential immigration law books and reference materials for immigration lawyers of all stripes should have at their disposal, either in print or digitally. If you’re an immigration lawyer or work at an immigration law firm, which of these do you have at your firm? Which are you missing?

Top reference resources for immigration lawyers

Immigration law breaks down into multiple sub-specialties, including employment-based and family-based immigration, “crimmigration” removal defense, investment-based immigration, asylum and refugee law, and more. The reference sources below may not cover every area of immigration practice, but they are some of the top books, materials, and reference sources we’ve come across both from first-hand experience and from our law firm users that are considered to be fundamental for almost all immigration law practitioners. Let’s dive in.

Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook: an introductory reference text

Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook is a two-volume publication covering changes in immigration law, regulation, policies, and practices. Compiled by renowned immigration lawyer Ira Kurzban and currently in its 18th edition, Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook is a go-to reference source for immigration lawyers in all areas, thanks to its concise analysis of immigration law and regulations. If you need a quick answer to a question concerning applicable immigration law, this sourcebook will likely have an answer that can help. Over its eighteen editions, Kurzban has focused on giving perspective on how immigration law has evolved, with each edition including the latest regulatory changes.

The 18th edition focuses on some of the changes introduced and removed during the COVID-19 pandemic, details on premium processing, more specific definitions concerning DACA, Supreme Court decisions from the 2021-2022 term, changes to the T visa category, new regulations regarding public charge rules, and more.

For an overview of the sourcebook's contents from the source itself, check out this short insight into the 18th edition of Kurzban’s sourcebook from Ira Kurzban himself. 

AILA Toolbox series

This series includes multiple publications by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. With a combination of information and practice tools, the toolbox aims to help immigration lawyers better apply specific immigration law guidelines. Think about it as a textbook/workbook combination.

Each toolbox provides an in-depth analysis of the area of immigration law they focus on, including practice forms and advice on completing each step of the process and which of your clients may be eligible for different statuses. 

The toolbox series consists of the following topics.

AILA’s Toolbox for Immigration Paralegals 

This instructional resource explains everything a paralegal needs to understand about the cases they are working on, procedures they need to follow, and generally, what a paralegal does in an immigration law office. The Paralegals Toolbox is a guidebook with practical steps to complete relevant forms and supporting documents and when it’s time for an attorney to step in. Thanks to its combination of simple theoretical explanations and practical, actionable steps for paralegals, the AILA Toolbox for Immigration Paralegals is an essential guide for paralegals in any area of immigration law.  

AILA’s Immigration Practice and Professionalism Toolbox 

The Immigration Practice and Professionalism Toolbox combines business development, client communication, marketing, and general management skills. In addition, it includes samples of documents you will repeatedly use, such as client intake forms, fee agreements, and representation agreements. A quick reference toolbox like this, which covers both the regulatory part of practicing immigration law and the business aspect, can make the process of getting started running your immigration law firm a lot easier.

AILA’s United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Toolbox

If you work with Canadian or Mexican applicants eligible for nonimmigrant visas under the TN, B, and L visa categories, the USMCA toolbox is for you. This toolbox aims to help immigration practitioners assist clients at both US borders to complete their visa processes successfully. Like other toolboxes, it includes form examples, explanations, analyses and more.

AILA’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Toolbox

When you work on immigration cases, there are moments when you need to request a document or specific information from government agencies, most commonly from the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) toolbox includes instructions on how to make document requests for other agencies, including overseas requests for consular processing. This toolbox even provides advice on handling possible litigation that may stem from insufficient documentation you provide after you tried to get documents through FOIA requests and were unsuccessful. 

AILA’s Immigration Litigation Toolbox 

Litigation in the immigration space goes beyond removal proceedings: immigration lawyers may also contest decisions on administrative grounds or escalate litigation to the federal court level. This toolbox includes details on federal court proceedings, appeals, custody issues, and post-decision filings. Whether you’re already working in the immigration court system or getting started with cases to be heard in immigration court, this toolbox can help you approach immigration litigation with confidence. 

AILA’s US Citizenship and Naturalization Toolbox

This toolbox provides samples, checklists, and instructions on how to apply for US citizenship, whether automatic acquisition by birth or parentage, as well as via the naturalization process. Not only does this toolbox cover the essentials of acquiring US citizenship, but also how to relinquish it. The toolbox goes beyond providing forms and steps on how to complete degrees in the naturalization process and explains how to approach issues that may come up, potential impacts of dual citizenship, rules for specific groups such as military members, and more.

Immigration and Nationality Act Text

Enacted in 1952, the Immigration and Nationality Act is one of the pillars of US immigration law. Amongst its provisions, it establishes the allocation of immigrant visas, rules on adjudicating asylum, the naturalization process, and how to approach removal proceedings. The Immigration and Nationality Act is part of Title 8 of the United States Code, which covers “Aliens and Nationality.” You can download the act from the USCIS website linked above or through an up-to-date AILA publication. 

Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

As mentioned in the context of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Title 8 covers the most important rules and regulations of federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and how these agencies make decisions in matters of immigration and naturalization. Title 8 has two broader sections; one specific to DHS and another to the Executive Office for Immigration Review. You can download Title 8 from the National Archives CFR website or bookmark the page for easy reference. 

Ethics rules

It’s essential to be aware of ethics rules for reference because immigration law enables attorneys to represent individuals in different states, and since different states have different ethics rules, keeping track of all of them can prove challenging. You should thus have ready access to two sets of ethics rules: 

• The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct - they set guidelines for attorney-client relationships, maintaining integrity in your legal practice, and generally providing legal services, among other topics.

• Individual state Ethics Reference Guides - you can download the ethics rules for all 50 US states and Puerto Rico from the American Immigration Lawyers Association website. 

Your state’s criminal statutes 

Immigration and criminal laws often intersect. When this happens, you must consult your state’s criminal statute to review the applicable law and how any criminal convictions may affect your client’s immigration status. You can find your state’s criminal statute on your state’s court system website. 

Federal court decisions

Once again, this connects to the federal nature of immigration law. If an immigration case goes to court and makes its way to federal circuit court (or, in some cases, the US Supreme Court), the case will, in such a case, rely on federal court decisions. Understanding how to navigate federal court websites will be crucial. Each federal court rules over a specific jurisdiction and has its own website. Take the time to check out the federal court website relevant to your case and become familiar with how it works. 

Automate your immigration law firm with Docketwise, and always continue learning!

Whether you’re staying up to date with the reference books and materials noted above, reading our Immigration Briefings blog or subscribing to our Immigration Briefings newsletter to keep your finger on the pulse of the immigration space, it’s important to simply continue learning as an immigration practitioner! And the best way to give yourself the time and space to continue to learn and read is by automating and otherwise creating efficiency within your practice.

That’s where Docketwise comes in.

From an entire library of immigration forms to client questionnaires in multiple languages to an industry-leading set of API integrations, we help you stay up to date on all your cases, communicate easily with your clients, and otherwise build and manage your immigration law firm.

If you haven’t tried Docketwise yet, schedule a demo and see how Docketwise can save you time and streamline your case management work. Subscribe to the

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The immigration experience, and each immigrant’s story, can be a constant source of inspiration. But when you’re in the thick of immigration casework, it can be challenging to continuously find that inspiration and remember the context and history behind it. After all, immigration professionals are people too.

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Visiting an immigration-related museum or historic site can help. Looking at memorabilia or artifacts, photo galleries or otherwise engaging with immigration stories in a curated space can be a great source of inspiration and continue to revive your commitment to the work. Indeed, you can even learn the history of specific immigrant communities, explore the way immigration laws changed the country’s landscape, and even put yourself in the shoes of someone traversing the oceans by boat decades or centuries ago.

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So, whether you visit one of these sites while traveling or if you happen to have one of them nearby, here is a list of notable immigration-related or immigration-adjacent museums and historical sites across the United States.

Excellent immigration-focused museums and historical sites in the US

The following is a sample of historical sites, museums, and educational sites centered around immigration in general or the history of specific immigrant groups across the US. The twelve sites in this article are not an exhaustive list, but it’s a place to start for readers in different parts of the country.

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Let’s begin with those managed by the National Park Service and move on to other more regional ones as the list goes on.

1. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

One of the most famous museums in the world, the Ellis Island museum building is itself a historical site. The Ellis Island port of entry in New York City was the official entry into the United States for millions of immigrants starting in the late 19th century, and the former immigration station building now holds the National Museum of Immigration, which offers a comprehensive exhibition of the history of immigration regulation in the United States. It also highlights prominent waves of immigration from specific countries, such as Italy and Ireland, as most immigrants arriving through Ellis Island were of European origin. You can also visit the Family History Center, where you can search over 65 million records, including immigration registries and documents, passenger records, and images of some ships bringing immigrants over. 

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In addition to the National Museum of Immigration at Ellis Island, this National Park allows you to make the most of your visit and access Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty: a symbol of hope and opportunity for millions of immigrants worldwide over time.

2. U.S. Immigration Station, Angel Island 

Most immigrants arriving through Angel Island came from Asia; few Asian immigrants made it to the US before the 18th century. Chinese immigrants primarily anchored in the US in large numbers in the second part of the 19th century to support gold mining, railroad construction, and other industries. Angel Island was also a detention center where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. If you go on a tour, you can visit the detention center and see the barracks where detainees were held. 

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Similarly to Ellis Island, you can look up family records at Angel Island; the more information you have, the better. The Immigration Station has two destinations: the Angel Island Immigration Museum, where you can see a comprehensive overview of immigration to the US through the Pacific, and the more specific Detention Barracks Museum and World War II Mess Hall, which recreated the conditions in which Asian immigrants, and later, Asian Americans, were detained at different points during the first half of the 20th century.

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The US Immigration Station is in Angel Island State Park, a natural treasure with beaches, smaller parks, and hiking trails. Visiting the US Immigration Station could be a perfect complement to a hike or a picnic outside.

3. National Border Patrol Museum 

Located in El Paso, Texas, on the southern border with Mexico, the Border Patrol Museum showcases the history of border patrolling from before the time the agency existed to the present day. The museum is not associated with the US Border Patrol government agency; it’s a private, not-for-profit museum, and admission is free. Given the complicated history of Border Patrol with immigrant communities, the museum hopes to provide a broader perspective of the agency and its work, including some of the challenges agents faced over the years due to regulatory shortcomings and other practical challenges.

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Exhibits include documents, artifacts, and vehicle replicas, and it can be an exciting opportunity to gain perspective on how immigration through the southern border, and law enforcement in response to it, has changed over time; The museum also houses a Memorial Library open to researchers on border security. 

4. California Migration Museum 

Located in San Francisco, the California Migration Museum showcases the profound impact of immigration in California by exploring the history of specific migrant groups in particular parts of the state. Some examples include San Francisco’s Chinatown, the Irish immigrants that first settled in Eureka Valley, and the El Salvadoran migrants that settled in the Mission Valley to work in coffee plantations in the 1980s.

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The museum showcases these migrant stories through self-paced audio tours, augmented reality experiences, and artifact exhibits. The California Migration Museum aims to show how California has welcomed immigrants from different places over time and the effect immigrants had on the state’s economic growth without ignoring policies that discriminated against immigrants. The museum opened in 2021, so expect exhibits to change over time. 

5. Museum of Danish America

Located in Elk Horn, Iowa, the Museum of Danish America (formerly the Danish Immigrant Museum) strives to “preserve the history of Danish immigration to America.” The Museum of Danish America houses over 35,000 artifacts, most of which are donated family heirlooms. Through its permanent collection, the Danish American Museum shows how Danish families in the United States have built a community and preserved their heritage. Like similar museums, families of Danish origin can search the museum records to locate their ancestors and conduct research at the museum library. 

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Other museums focusing on Danish immigration in other parts of the country include the Danish American Archive and Library in Blair, Nebraska, the Danish Immigrant Archives at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Danish American Heritage Society in Salem, Oregon. 

6. Swedish American Museum Chicago 

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The Swedish American Museum is in a traditionally Swedish area of Chicago. Its location gives the museum an additional level of character, as it allows you to see the history of the community while in it. Through its historical artifacts, art exhibits, and genealogy records, the museum provides an insightful view into Swedish immigration to the United States.

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The museum also includes the Nordic house, the cultural arm of the Swedish American Museum. Those of Nordic descent can connect, and the general public can learn more about the 19th-century immigrants from Scandinavia that made a significant part of the United States' population expansion to the Midwest. 

7. Polish Museum of America

Also located in Chicago, as the name indicates, the Polish Museum of America showcases and preserves the history of Polish immigrants to the United States since 1935. Some of the museum’s exhibits include Part of the 1939 Polish Pavilion at the New York World Fair, antique Polish coins and photographs, and a collection of objects from the first Polish settlement in the US.

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The museum has three divisions: the museum itself, with its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions; the library, which hosts over 100,000 books in Polish and English; and the Archives, which preserve documents from Polish and Polish-American individuals and organizations. 

8. Italian American Museum

Located in Little Italy in New York City, the Italian American Museum not only educates visitors about the history of Italian immigration to the United States but also serves as a cultural community hub. You can sign up for walking tours of Little Italy with museum staff and visit significant landmarks for early Italian immigrants and explore how the neighborhood has changed. Walking tours are an hour and a half long. Make sure to book in advance on the museum’s website.

9. New Americans Museum & Immigration Learning Center

The New Americans Museum’s mission is to “be a catalyst for the celebration of America’s past and promise by providing inspiring educational and cultural programs to honor our diverse multigenerational immigrant experiences.” The museum focuses on fighting racism and intolerance through education and dialogue between communities. Current exhibits include stories on discrimination against Italian Americans during World War II and stories of intergenerational trauma and healing by artists from the Filipino American community. The museum also holds events outside the museum to engage communities in dialogue. 

10. Tenement Museum, New York City 

The Tenement Museum is made of two buildings in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, showing immigrants' living spaces in the 19th and 20th centuries. Apartments are set up to their original conditions, showing immigrants' hardship when first arriving in the United States. The Tenement Museum also leads neighborhood walking tours through other historical sites in the Lower East Side and sees the surrounding area where immigrants started their lives in the US.  

11. Baltimore Immigration Museum

The Baltimore Immigration Museum is in what used to be temporary housing for newcomers to the United States, either on their way to other destinations or while they were finding their footing in Baltimore. Baltimore was the third largest port of entry to the United States between 1830 and 1914 and initially saw more giant waves of European immigrants arriving in the city, with later waves of Asian and Hispanic immigrants creating a more diverse tapestry. Like other museums housed in former immigrant boarding houses, you can see replicated housing and other artifacts immigrants brought with them upon arrival to the United States. 

12. Sites of Conscience - various locations

Sites of Conscience stand out from the other recommendations on this list because they are not museums. These are “places of memory,” providing space for visitors to make connections between past and present. Within the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, the Migration Museums Network focuses on “exchanging experiences, collaborating on methodologies, programs, and campaigns to support their mission” to combat xenophobia, racism, and discrimination. Previous activities include celebrations of International Migrants Day and World Refugee Day. The Migration Museum Network comprises migration museums worldwide; three of the museums featured on this list are part of the network: The Angel Island Immigration Station, the Tenement Museum, and the National Museum of Immigration at Ellis Island. 

Keep your immigration case management together with Docketwise

Museums and historical sites help us better understand immigrant experiences of the past by preserving the memory of their contributions and place in our country's history. They’re also a great reminder of how much the immigration experience has changed, and modernized, since the days of Ellis Island and Angel Island. Indeed, technology is a big part of that, and at Docketwise, that’s our entire mission.

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From a full library of immigration forms to client questionnaires in multiple languages to an industry-leading set of API integrations and an industry-first open API, we help our users stay up to date on cases, communicate easily with clients, and otherwise build and manage their practice.

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To learn more about Docketwise, schedule a demo on our website and subscribe to our Immigration Briefings newsletter to continue learning about Docketwise and all things immigration and technology.

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