Immigration software news and updates.

The AILA 2025 Immigration Law Conference—also known as the AILA Annual Conference 2025—is the largest gathering of immigration attorneys and legal professionals in the country. Hosted by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the annual event will take place June 18–21, 2025, in Denver, Colorado—mark your calendars for what promises to be the most impactful immigration law conference of the year.

In this post, we’ll preview what to expect from the upcoming AILA conference in Denver, including key sessions, networking tips, and why you should stop by the Docketwise booth to participate in live podcast recordings. 

Want to hear a full preview directly from Docketwise Co-Founder and immigration law specialist James Pittman? Tune into the pre-AILA Conference episode of the Immigration Uncovered podcast.

What Is the AILA Conference, and Where Is It Located?

The AILA Annual Conference is the immigration law field’s most significant CLE event. Each year, thousands of legal professionals gather to sharpen their skills, engage in policy discussions, and network with peers from across the U.S. and abroad.

Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Dates: June 18–21, 2025
Details & Pricing: Visit the official AILA 2025 Conference page

The 2025 program features specialized tracks—including removal defense, business immigration, technology, and wellness—making it a valuable experience for immigration attorneys at every stage of their career.

Why the AILA Annual Conference Matters in 2025

This year’s conference lands at a time of high urgency. As Pittman notes, “Every year, immigration law and policy evolve. Sometimes they change slowly. Sometimes they change really quickly in ways that take our breath away.”

With adjudication trends shifting and enforcement practices escalating, staying informed is not optional—it’s essential. The AILA Annual Conference 2025 provides legal professionals with an opportunity to stay ahead of major policy developments, connect with allies, and get practical guidance to better serve clients.

Must-Attend Sessions at AILA 2025

Below are five standout sessions from this year’s agenda, highlighted in Pittman’s podcast preview:

1. SCOPE: The Necessity for Political Engagement in the New Trump Era

This timely session addresses how immigration attorneys can combat administrative overreach and push for humane reform. Pittman urges attendees not to miss it. “You need to attend this session,” he says. “Immigration reform may be off the table for now, but protecting your clients and your practice starts with political engagement.”

When: Friday at 1 PM (Family Track)

2. 50 Tech Tips in 50 Minutes

A fast-paced, high-impact roundup of tools to streamline firm operations—this session is perfect for those looking to adopt automation, improve remote collaboration, or enhance the client experience using platforms like Docketwise Smart Forms.

When: Wednesday at 1 PM (Tech Track)

3. Protecting Your Data, Protecting Your Firm: Cybersecurity

From secure e-signatures to data encryption, this session will teach you how to protect your firm and your clients with tools designed to meet legal industry standards. It’s an essential CLE for any attorney handling sensitive data.

When: Wednesday at 2 PM (Tech Track)

4. What the Heck is Happening at the Border?

Get critical insights into current conditions and immigration enforcement trends from legal and humanitarian perspectives. From CBP One to Title 42’s fallout, this panel examines how shifting border policies impact clients and cases. As Pittman puts it, this session “provides clarity on what attorneys need to know about current developments.”

When: Thursday at 3 PM (Removal Track)

5. How to Stay Sane in an Insane Field: Managing Anxiety in the New Trump Era

Vicarious trauma and burnout are real concerns in immigration law. Whether you’re looking to grow your firm, start a new firm, or just keep your head above water, this session dives into lawyer wellness with practical tips for resilience and mental health.

When: Thursday at 3 PM (Fundamentals Track)

How to Prepare for an Immigration Law Conference

Whether it’s your first AILA conference or your fifteenth, planning ahead can turn a great experience into a transformative one. Here are six tips to maximize your time:

1. Start With a Clear Purpose

Decide what you want to achieve: Is it CLEs? New tech tools? Inspiration? Networking? Set goals in advance to help you stay focused.

2. Review the Full Agenda in Advance

Take time to explore the full agenda and plan your schedule. Flag sessions that focus on potential growth areas for you and your firm, from business immigration and H-1B to family-based practice and humanitarian issues. 

3. Build a Personalized Schedule

Balance technical CLEs with sessions on policy, firm growth, personal wellness, and networking time. A well-rounded agenda ensures you leave with actionable insights and don’t overpack your day.

4. Prioritize Networking Opportunities

“It’s a time to reconnect with your peers, your purpose, and the community that understands what it means to do immigration law in 2025.” - James Pittman

Make the most of receptions, hallway conversations, and peer meetups—they’re just as valuable as the sessions themselves. Be intentional: introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and share what you’ve learned. These organic moments can lead to lasting connections and meaningful insights.

Need a conversation starter? This guide on the value of immigration paralegal certification can spark great discussions, especially around building and supporting strong legal teams.

5. Pack Smart for Productivity

Comfortable shoes, business cards, notebooks, and chargers are a must. Bring printed copies of your schedule or sync it to your phone to stay organized on the go.

6. Engage and Participate Actively

Ask questions during sessions. Participate in workshops. And most importantly, stop by Booth 107 for the chance to take part in an Immigration Uncovered podcast episode.

“We’re inviting attendees to step into the booth and share their stories live. Your voice could be part of the next Docketwise episode.” – James Pittman

Visit Docketwise at Booth 107

Docketwise will be live at Booth 107 alongside our trusted AffiniPay partners, LawPay and MyCase. Stop by for:

• ‍Live podcast recordings featuring conversations with immigration attorneys‍
• On-the-spot interviews about life in immigration law‍
• Product demos for tools that simplify case management and client communications
  

If you have a unique perspective, success story, or challenge you’ve overcome, we want to hear it—right in the booth.

Download the Docketwise 2025 State of Immigration Report

From high-impact CLE sessions to live podcast conversations, the AILA 2025 Immigration Law Conference is your opportunity to reconnect with your purpose, gain fresh insights, and strengthen your practice in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Want to get a head start before the conference? The 2025 State of Immigration Report dives into many of the same pressing topics that will be discussed at AILA, including government processing delays, shifting enforcement priorities, and approval trends. It’s a valuable resource to help frame the conversations you’ll have in Denver—and guide the strategic decisions you make afterward. Get your free copy here.