Additional Information
Immigration lawyers go through training just like any other lawyer. Aspiring
lawyers have usually have a full four-year degree before starting law school
-- it depends on the entrance requirements of the law school they want to
attend.
Then, they must write an aptitude test (LSAT) to get into a three-year
law degree program. At law school, they may attend specialized clinics or
courses pertaining to immigration law.
Finally, they must pass a bar examination in order to become a lawyer.
As a student, you have to keep up with new policies and regulations. "This
is one of the most fast-changing areas of law," says immigration lawyer Elizabeth
Bryson. "One has to be constantly [aware] of what is happening in the entire
immigration network."
The ability to speak one or several other languages will also help you
if you want to become an immigration lawyer, says immigration lawyer Zool
Suleman. "It is an absolute advantage to have as many languages as possible,"
he says.
Another advantage is having lived abroad and experienced a different culture.
That will give you a sense of what your clients are going through as they
try to build new lives in a strange new country.
Immigration lawyers must also be aware of cultural differences between
them and their clients.
"You try to learn a little bit about the culture so that you don't commit
a faux pas," says Bryson. "And you try to anticipate issues that might come
up in a particular country."