Pro Bono Project

Find Pro Bono training documents here

In an effort to better meet the increasing demands for our services, ILCM partners with law firms and private attorneys in its Pro Bono Project. This project offers an opportunity to learn about immigrants and immigration law while allowing ILCM to offer additional direct legal services to our clients.

There are a number of pro bono activities currently available at ILCM:

LAW FIRMS

Law firms can provide support by hosting/sponsoring pro bono trainings and events. They can help us recruit new volunteer attorneys and promote our success. They can also provide financial sponsorship of this project.

IMMIGRATION PRACTITIONERS

Seasoned immigration attorneys can assist in a variety of ways. They can help train and mentor less experienced pro bono attorneys. They can provide direct client representation in complex immigration cases or help with new client intake/screening. They can work together with ILCM when urgent circumstances arise, such as our successful collaboration last year when the ICE raids occurred in Worthington. The response to the crisis in Worthington would not have been possible without the assistance of committed volunteer attorneys.

SEASONED LITIGATORS

If you are interested in litigation, you can provide support by representing cases in court that have complex legal, civil and/or constitutional issues.

ATTORNEYS IN OTHER AREAS OF LAW

Even with little or no immigration experience we have an exciting way that you can participate in our pro bono project. Citizenship through naturalization provides stability and opportunity for immigrant families. Most non-immigration attorneys who are new to our project are working on naturalization cases.

What can a pro bono naturalization attorney expect from us?

· CLE accredited training in the area of naturalization law
· Regular e-mail updates and postings
· Materials such as sample form letters, briefs and motions
· On-going legal support throughout case handling
· Opportunities to observe walk-in immigration intake
· Occasional pro bono lunch gatherings and other events
· Networking with other legal professionals
· Pro bono spotlights in our newsletter/website
· Other opportunities as they arise

What does ILCM expect from a naturalization pro bono attorney?

· Attendance at the basic naturalization CLE training prior to accepting a case
· Acceptance of a minimum of two naturalization cases per year
· High quality legal representation and respectful treatment of our clients
· Promotion of our pro bono project and ILCM in general among your peers

We offer free, CLE approved trainings on a regular basis, align the attorney's skills with a pre-screened case and offer ongoing legal support throughout the case.

To become a member of the Pro Bono Project's team of law firms and attorneys, please contact Cynthia Anderson at ILCM at (651) 641-1011 x 212 or via email at Cynthia.Anderson@ilcm.org

Immigration Law and Policy for Professionals, September 13, 2007
2.5 standard credits; 2.0 elimination of bias

U-Visa Interim Regulations Overview, September 14, 2007
1.5 standard credits

Pro Bono Naturalization Training, November 28th, 2007
3.5 standard credits

Pro Bono Naturalization Training, March 5th, 2008
3.0 standard credits

Immigration Law and Policy for Attorneys: Special Provisions for Immigrant Victims of Crime, April 29th, 2008
1.75 standard credits

Immigration Law and Policy for Attorneys: Special Provisions for Immigrant Victims of Crime, April 22nd, 2008
2.5 standard credits

Immigration Law and Policy for Attorneys: Special Provisions for Immigrant Victims of Crime, March 13th, 2008
1.75 standard credits

Immigration Law and Policy for Attorneys: Special Provisions for Immigrant Victims of Crime, April 17th, 2008
1.75 standard credits