Education to Become an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers attend law school for three years and become licensed.

The legal profession is one of the most popular in the United States. That is because lawyers are well-paid and can work in many areas other than the legal profession. In fact, since 2008, law school applications have spiked to record highs. Those seeking to become immigration lawyers must attend law school for three years and become licensed. Then, they will be in a position to work in the field of immigration law.

Graduate and Take the LSAT

Every prospective lawyer must graduate from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree. Law schools do not require applicants to have a degree in a specific field. As a result, law school applicants can have degrees in astronomy, political science, religion or sociology. One key requirement is that applicants have strong academic records. Another is that the applicant have taken and scored well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a standardized test that is used by most law schools to determine which applicants will be accepted. Higher scores improve your chances of gaining admission to the law school of your choice.

Find the Right Immigration Law Program

There are many law schools across the country that offer immigration law programs. If you are seeking to become an immigration lawyer, apply to a school with a top-rated program. Two such schools are the New York University School of Law and the University of Virginia School of Law. It is important to look beyond the ratings, however, and determine which schools have a wide variety of immigration-related courses and immigration clinics. Clinics provide law students an opportunity to work with actual clients in need of legal assistance. This experience will be essential upon entering the field. Apply to multiple schools.

Go to Law School & Get Experience

Once you have been accepted to law school, it is crucial to not only take all required courses but to take as many immigration-related courses as possible. These classes provide a well-rounded understanding of the immigration field and immigration laws. Participation in immigration clinics allows prospective lawyers to work directly with clients. During the summer, internships at immigration law firms provide necessary experience and skills.

Graduate and Pass the Bar Exam

With the necessary real-world experience and good grades, all that remains is to graduate and take the bar exam for the state where the prospective lawyer plans to practice. Bar examinations are conducted by states. Passing one enables you to become licensed. Upon passing the bar, you must find a job in immigration law. Not all firms focus on immigration law, so if working at a large firm, be prepared to work in different legal fields before settling into immigration law.

References

• New York Times: Recession Spurs Interest in Graduate, Law Schools
• Law School Admission Council: About the LSAT
• Education Portal: List of the Best Immigration Law Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Lawyer