AILA New England Chapter

AILA NE Webinar: Demystifying Immigration Court Practice
2025-10-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Are you reading the headlines and wishing you could join in the fight to support non-citizens, by representing them in their immigration proceedings? But wary of venturing into Immigration Court? We’ve got you!
Please join Robin Nice of McHaffey & Nice, Jeannie Kain of Kain Immigration, and Jessica Mols, Pro Bono Counsel at Cooley LLP, for an introduction to removal proceedings and practicing before the Immigration Court, from their experiences both as practitioners and as mentors for other attorneys.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://ropesgray.zoom.us/j/98675375186?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 986 7537 5186
Passcode: [REDACTED]

AILA NE Monthly Chapter Meeting (virtual) - October 23, 2025
2025-10-23 16:00 - 18:30
AILA NE Monthly Chapter Meeting (virtual) – October 23, 2025, at 4pm – 6:30pm.
Details to follow.
Join Here

AILA NE Webinar: The State of New Hampshire - Is it safe for my client to drive in New Hampshire?
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
AILA NE Webinar: The State of New Hampshire – Is it safe for my client to drive in New Hampshire?
Join us for a brown bag to hear from New Hampshire immigration law practitioners and advocates about what is happening on the ground and how it could affect your clients. Topics will include the recently enacted bills involving out-of-state drivers’ licenses, proposed anti-immigrant legislation for current year, the expansion of 287(g) agreements, and what enforcement and detention looks like in 2025 in New Hampshire.
Please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/seiuUUx2QceBjccfJVX_2g

In-Person Event: AILA NE in Springfield, MA on Wednesday 11/5 at 6 pm!
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00
In-Person Event: AILA NE in Springfield, MA on Wednesday 11/5 at 6 pm!

Join us for an evening meetup with your AILA NE colleagues in Springfield, MA.
What: A casual dinner with your AILA NE colleagues in Springfield
When: Wednesday November 5 at 6 pm
Where: Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill, 1390 Main Street, Springfield, MA
Cost: AILA NE will subsidize appetizers – pay your own way for dinner/drinks!

Register here so we can make a reservation for the right number of people.

Also, join the WhatsApp group “AILA NE in Springfield, MA” to stay connected with your fellow colleagues. We may use this to reach you with any last-minute updates.

WhatsApp not working for you? You can text Miki Matrician at 617-417-5950.

WhatsApp Tip: Please make sure you enable Cellular Data so you can receive messages while you are not in a Wifi network

AILA NE Chapter Meeting (In Person)
2025-11-20 16:00 - 18:30
Join us for our next chapter meeting at the MCLE building (10 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108)! Can’t make it in person? Please join us by Zoom! Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/lRBkFeYlRW6m2DPoKH4Adg
4:00pm The ABCs of Habeas Petitions
Are you ready to expand your toolkit and fight for your detained clients in federal court? Join us for a dynamic introduction to the ABC’s of Habeas Corpus Petitions—an essential remedy for challenging immigration detention when bond is denied or unavailable. We’ll review how to become authorized to practice in federal district courts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine—so you can get licensed and ready to file when it matters most. Whether you’re a newer practitioner or just new to habeas, this session will help you feel empowered to take action and deepen your litigation skills.
5:00pm Business Meeting
5:30pm Main Meeting: Navigating the Habeas Landscape – Detention, Due Process & the Habeas Project in MA
Join us for an essential conversation on the evolving role of habeas corpus petitions in immigration detention cases. With federal courts playing a critical role in safeguarding due process amid restrictive detention practices, this session will cover where we are, how we got here, and what tools remain at our disposal.
We’re thrilled to welcome a panel of distinguished experts: Christy Rodriguez, Senior Immigration Attorney, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), and Daniel McFadden, Managing Attorney, ACLU of Massachusetts. Panelists will provide: a clear overview of the current habeas landscape in MA and beyond, practical guidance on when and how to file habeas petitions for detained clients, a report on the state and future of the Habeas Project and need for volunteers, and strategies for new and seasoned practitioners to get involved in habeas advocacy.
Please join us for some light bites and refreshments immediately
Join here

AILA NE Roundtable: Understanding AILA’s Proposed Bylaws Amendments and Governance Modernization
2025-11-21 13:00 - 13:30
Join us for an engaging conversation with our own AILA NE Board of Governors members, Miki Matrician and Mahsa Khanbabai, as we unpack AILA’s transformative plan to modernize its governance structure.
Under the leadership of AILA Past President Kelli Stump, the Board of Governors approved key changes designed to strengthen representation and enhance participation across the organization. As part of this effort, AILA President Jeff Joseph and the Board have proposed amendments to AILA’s Bylaws to reflect this new governance model. These amendments will be presented to the membership during the Special Meeting of the Members on November 18, and voting will remain open until December 18.
This roundtable will provide a space to answer any questions from New England Chapter members and also address:
– The intent and impact of the proposed amendments
– How these changes seek to strengthen AILA’s leadership and inclusivity
– What members should know about the voting process
– How you can get more involved in AILA’s governance
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/EA2ASLJcRSCapyuNNWwkmA

AILA NE Social Event: “Hike to Burn the Turkey and Pies” November 29 (Saturday) in the Berkshires!
2025-11-29 10:00 - 13:00
Event: “Hike to Burn the Turkey and Pies” November 29 (Saturday) in the Berkshires!

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, November 29 – meet at 10am
Trail: Monument Mountain via Hickey & Peeskawsa Peak Loop, Great Barrington

Miles: 2.4 miles 🥾

Elevation Gain: 669 ft elevation gain 📈

Level: Moderate

Parking: Large parking lot on Stockbridge Rd. (PARKING FEE ~$5, cards accepted) (GPS Coordinates 42.24325, -73.33522)

Sign up for the WhatsApp Group: “Hike to Burn the Turkey and Pies” if you are interested in joining us!

Special Features: Spectacular view facing east 🌅 (great for sunrise!) This is a classic hike in the Berkshires, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. That might be because of the big payoff at the top for just a 1.2-mile walk up.
Where to go after – we will decide closer to the date, based on demand!
Option A: No Comply – https://nocomplyfoods.com/
258 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, MA
Option B: Fuel Bistro/Fuel Coffee
293 Main St., Great Barrington, MA

AILA NE ROUNDTABLE: Understanding AILA’s Proposed Bylaws Amendments and Governance Modernization
2025-12-03 13:00 - 13:30
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM ET
Join us for a conversation with our own AILA NE Board of Governors members, Leslie Holman, Mahsa Khanbabai, and Miki Matrician, as we unpack AILA’s transformative plan to modernize its governance structure.
Under the leadership of AILA Past President Kelli Stump, the Board of Governors approved key changes designed to strengthen representation and enhance participation across the organization. As part of this effort, AILA President Jeff Joseph and the Board have proposed amendments to AILA’s Bylaws to reflect this new governance model. These amendments will be presented to the membership during the Special Meeting of the Members on November 18, and voting will remain open until December 18.
This roundtable will provide a space to answer any questions from New England Chapter members and also address:

The intent and impact of the proposed amendments
How these changes seek to strengthen AILA’s leadership and inclusivity
What members should know about the voting process
How you can get more involved in AILA’s governance

Register here:
https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/LDnwChisSPe0vQr7l-MNWA

AILA NE Webinar: Consular Interviews - Insights from Behind the Glass
2025-12-09 13:00 - 14:00
AILA NE Webinar: Consular Interviews – Insights from Behind the Glass
Speaker: Regina Cocco
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 9th from 1-2pm.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Keq756KWTYeKYskCbMVOxg
Gain firsthand perspective from a former U.S. consular adjudications officer as we explore what really happens during visa interviews on the other side of the glass. We will discuss practical guidance for preparing clients for consular interviews, avoiding red flags, and understanding how consular officers assess credibility, documents, and potential fraud.
Note: this webinar will have a 100-attendee limit. A recording of the webinar will be available on the AILA NE website afterwards.

AILA NE Holiday Party - SAVE THE DATE!
2025-12-11 17:30 - 22:00
AILA NE Holiday Party @Omni Parker House
Back by popular demand, we’re thrilled to return to the Omni Parker House for our annual AILA NE Holiday Party! Join us for an evening of community, celebration, and connection as we close out 2025 together.
When: Thursday, December 11 | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Omni Parker House, 60 School Street, Boston, MA

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Cocktail Hour
6:30 – 10:00 PM: Dinner, Live Music, and Photo Booth Fun

Tickets (First-Come, First-Served | Limit: 200 attendees)
$20 – AILA NE Members at Nonprofits
$50 – AILA NE Members
We’ve secured a courtesy block of 20 rooms for December 11 at a discounted rate of $159/night. Booking link will be available next week—stay tuned!
Deadline to Register: Thursday, December 4 – No walk-ins will be accepted.
Purchase your ticket here: https://www.ailaneconference.org/product/2025-aila-ne-holiday-party/

AILA NE In-Person Event: Fireside Chat With Former IJs - Co-hosted by AILA NE and BBA
2026-01-13 17:00 - 19:00
Fireside Chat With Former IJs – Co-hosted by AILA NE and BBA
AILA New England is fortunate to have so former IJs as fellow chapter members. Please join us in a fireside chat where IJs will share their experiences on the bench, what they think is coming down the pipe, and what they could and couldn’t do as IJs.
What: A casual fireside chat, with food and beverage included
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm (5:00 – 6:00 chat, 6:00 – 7:00 reception)
Where: Boston Bar Association (16 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108)
Cost: Free
Register: https://bostonbar.my.site.com/LightningMemberPortal/s/lt-event?id=a1YRc000003QLFBMA4&sfdcIFrameOrigin=null#/reg/tickets (when you reach the payment screen, enter the code AILAMEM for free registration)
Please note that only AILA NE and BBA members may attend. We regret that we cannot accept non-members/significant others.

AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (January)
2026-01-22 16:00 - 18:30
AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (January)
[Save the date/time – more details to follow]
Register in advance for this meeting: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/eLucsvb0QmOn5VgtWhO5kg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Unless otherwise stated, the format for each chapter meeting is as follows:
[4:00pm – 5:00pm: We may have a meeting for newer attorneys at select meetings]
5:00pm – 5:30pm: Business meeting
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Main meeting panel or presentation

AILA NE Webinar: On the Ground in Maine
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00
AILA NE Webinar: On the Ground in Maine
Join us for a brown bag to hear from Maine immigration lawyers and leaders about what is happening on the ground in Maine. Topics will include the recently passed bill limiting local and state police cooperation with ICE and CBP, the changing workforce and issues facing immigrant workers, and new detention facilities and practices.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1jg_-GDdS9iIlTtcSJIIxg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Panelists:

Lisa Parisio (ILAP)
Don (ILAP Rural Maine Project)
Max Brooks (ACLU Maine)
Anna Welch (Maine Law School Immigration Clinic)
Matt Maiona (Maiona Ward Immigration Law)

AILA NE Webinar: The State of Asylum: Navigating CFIs, Pretermission, and Other Shenanigans
2026-02-02 13:00 - 14:00
Join this brownbag and conversation about the current state of expedited removal orders (real and imagined), credible fear interviews, pretermission due to ACAs and lack of a prima facie case, and whatever new miscarriages of justice arise between now and this brownbag.
Presented by Shaan Chatterjee from the EOIR Committee and Michael DeRienzo and Robin Nice from the Asylum Committee.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/c-YZQQs_Rw-68H7XvhnbrQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

AILA NE Roundtable: Culture & Religion in Practice (AILA NE DEI Committee)
2026-02-06 12:00 - 12:45
The AILA NE DEI Committee invites you to chat about the place of culture and religion in our work – a timely discussion for us as a profession, since culture, religion and identity have become central to the government’s drive in restricting entry and expanding enforcement. Some questions and issues to be considered:

How culture & religion shapes our work as immigration attorneys?
Can we leverage cultural competence to promote the growth of our practices? How does it affect our bottom line?
How do our own identities and lived experiences influence client relationships?
Dealing with cultural differences and making value judgements
Advocating for cultural and religious freedoms? For ourselves? For our clients? In government spaces? In our practices?
Handling conflicts and biases (especially within complex advocacy spaces)

For any questions or suggestions contact the committee at ailanedeicommittee@gmail.com
We look forward to your voice at the table.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87596561701pwd=[REDACTED]
View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion:
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=f9a64316-f9f7-4557-a5f5-dc365c2fd27e
Meeting ID: 875 9656 1701
Passcode: [REDACTED]
—
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,87596561701#,,,,*[REDACTED]# US

AILA New England Webinar: H-1B Lottery Update
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00
AILA New England Webinar: H-1B Lottery Update
Join us on Wednesday, February 11th at 1pm as we look at the upcoming H-1B lottery and its weighted selection process:
Speaker: Bennett Savitz
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/87FEVojMR3KAqO4Fc2ioJQ

AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (February)
2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:30
AILA New England February Chapter Meeting – All Members Welcome (in-person and online)
Please join AILA New England for our February Chapter Meeting on Thursday, February 26, at the Boston MCLE Building, for an evening of community, conversation, and connection.
Schedule

4:00 – 5:00 PM | New Member Division Program
5:00 – 5:30 PM | Business Meeting
5:30 – 6:30 PM | Main Chapter Meeting
7:00 PM | Optional Dinner with Colleagues (details below)

Main Meeting: Steady Counsel in Unsteady Times: Supporting Ourselves and Immigrant Clients Through Anxiety
Immigration practitioners regularly work with clients facing significant fear, instability, and uncertainty. This timely program will explore how we, as attorneys, can support our clients through emotionally turbulent times while also protecting our own well‑being.
Drawing from removal defense, business immigration, and wellness/practice‑management perspectives, the panel will share practical tools for:

Managing client anxiety and heightened emotions
Setting and maintaining healthy professional boundaries
Avoiding burnout in high‑stress practice environments
Sustaining ourselves while continuing to show up for our clients

Speakers

Nicole Gabree, Moderator
Christina Corbaci
Laura Keeler
Michelle Shepard

Dinner to Follow: Join us for dinner after the AILA NE Meeting on Wellbeing and how to handle stress and anxiety during these challenging times. It’s an opportunity to continue expanding our networks and solidifying relationships after an hour of focusing on our wellbeing. We are making reservations – space is limited – RSVP first come-first served.
What: A casual dinner with your AILA NE colleagues
When: Thursday February 26 at 7 pm, immediately after our meeting ends
Where: Hobgoblin at 48 Temple Place, 2 min walk from the meeting at MCLE
Cost: Pay your own way
Register here!
Register in advance for this meeting: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/cfjH2rbCS7qlTGX1_rvlpg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

AILA NE Roundtable - Pretermission of Asylum Claims (CBO Committee)
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
Join the AILA NE CBO/Pro Bono Committee for a roundtable discussion on the pretermission of asylum applications.
Sarah Allar of the PAIR Project will facilitate this informal space for members to come together and share their experiences with pretermission in Boston and Chelmsford, and to discuss strategies for responding. This includes pretermission based on incomplete applications (Matter of C-A-R-R), failure to establish a prima facie claim (Matter of H-A-A-V-), and asylum cooperative agreements (Matter of C-I-G-M & L-V-S-G-). Please note that this discussion will not be recorded.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ohQTIWJ5SjS5dsQmOQSjqw

AILA Webinar: The Calderon Settlement One Year Later - Practice Updates and Strategic Considerations Impacting Final Order Clients Married to U.S. Citizens
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00
AILA Webinar: The Calderon Settlement One Year Later: Practice Updates and Strategic Considerations Impacting Final Order Clients Married to U.S. Citizens
Register for, and access recording here.
The Calderon et al. v. Noem et al. (D. Mass.) settlement created a powerful path to relief for noncitizens with final orders of removal who are married to U.S. citizens and who reside (or are detained) in New England.
One year into the settlement agreement—and with one year left to go—practitioners continue to navigate tricky questions about the bounds of class membership, ICE compliance with the settlement, and other strategic use of the settlement’s terms—including whether to advise clients to move to New England to take advantage of the settlement’s provision for reopening and dismissal of removal orders.
This webinar is designed for practitioners both inside and outside New England who advise clients facing potential removal. Class counsel will share lessons learned from the past year, provide an overview of the agreement’s terms, class eligibility and residency requirements, and discuss best practices for filing requests for joint motions to reopen. There will be room for Q+A and discussion at the end of the webinar.
Speakers:

Kathleen M. Gillespie, Lexington, MA
Adriana Lafaille, ACLU of Massachusetts, Boston MA
Christina Luo, Boston, MA

Training: EAJA Fees in Immigration Habeas Cases - Hosted by the Habeas Project of New England
2026-03-10 16:00 - 17:00
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 4:00–5:00 PM (ET)
Location: Zoom
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6S_rgVPvRAeyNjZbQP8fZA

This training covers how to seek attorneys’ fees and costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) in immigration habeas cases. In some circumstances, EAJA allows prevailing habeas petitioners to recover fees from the federal government, including compensation for both the habeas litigation and the EAJA fee motion itself. Fee awards are not tied to whether—or how much—a client paid counsel, making EAJA available in pro bono and low-bono cases. Participants will learn EAJA eligibility requirements, filing deadlines, and practical guidance for preparing an EAJA motion, including procedural and substantive considerations, assignment of fees to counsel, and documenting and calculating fees and costs.
Presenters:

Kerry Doyle, Partner, Green & Spiegel
Dan McFadden, Managing Attorney, ACLU of Massachusetts

Register here.

AILA New England Brown Bags - Immigration Trauma
2026-03-19 13:00 - 14:00
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tb_Xr5qgTzmmN_aOiMkNIQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.

AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (March)
2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:30
AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (March)
[Save the date/time – more details to follow]
Register in advance for this meeting: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/5-j8AOauTcusOf2L_YhrVw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Unless otherwise stated, the format for each chapter meeting is as follows:
[4:00pm – 5:00pm: We may have a meeting for newer attorneys at select meetings]
5:00pm – 5:30pm: Business meeting
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Main meeting panel or presentation

AILA NE Webinar: Pretermission of Asylum Claims
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00
Register in advance for this meeting: here.
Following the popularity of the recent roundtable on this topic, the AILA New England CBO/Pro Bono Committee has agreed to host another discussion on pretermission of asylum applications
Sarah Allar of the PAIR Project will facilitate this informal space for members to come together and share their experiences with pretermission in Boston and Chelmsford, and to discuss strategies for responding. This includes pretermission based on incomplete applications (Matter of C-A-R-R), failure to establish a prima facie claim (Matter of H-A-A-V-), and asylum cooperative agreements (Matter of C-I-G-M & L-V-S-G-).
Please note that this discussion will not be recorded.

AILA NE Roundtable: Competency Evaluations in Immigration Proceedings: Matter of M-A-M Cases with Mark S. Silver, Esq.
2026-04-13 12:00 - 13:00
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/UC2Fylx-TG-DJto_wE1fhw
Join us for a dynamic roundtable on competency evaluations in immigration court, with a special focus on Matter of M-A-M and its real-world impact on respondents with mental health concerns. Attorney and forensic psychiatric social worker Mark S. Silver will walk through practical strategies for identifying competency issues, working with mental health experts, and building a strong record to protect vulnerable clients.

AILA NE Roundtable: Orders of Supervision: Strategy, Survival, and Advocacy
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/chg56_ykQZS5roNSQyM87Q
Date: April 14, 2025
Time: 12pm
Join us for an AILA New England Roundtable focused on the real-world challenges faced by clients on Orders of Supervision (OSUP). This interactive forum will explore critical issues affecting OSUP clients before and after an order is issued, including how to prepare clients for ICE check-ins, advocacy strategies to reduce the risk of detention, and habeas options when clients are re-detained. Come ready for a practical, solutions‑oriented discussion to sharpen your advocacy and better protect this vulnerable client population.
Presenters:

Claire Maguire, Staff attorney in the Northeast Justice Center’s Affirmative Litigation Unit
Thao Ho, Staff Attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services’ Asian Outreach Center (Boston, MA)
Cari Cornish, Pro Bono Counsel, Metrowest Worker Center – Casa, Framingham, MA
Annery Miranda, Esq., MSW, Staff Attorney in the Immigration Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services.

AILA NE Roundtable: Advocating for Immigrants with Disabilities
2026-04-15 00:00 - 13:30
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/sFREA8-MTmuIkV6n16qM_w
Join AILA New England for a powerful discussion with Professor Emerita Arlene S. Kanter and Eric Rosenthal, Executive Director, Disability Rights International, on the urgent realities facing immigrants with disabilities and what immigration attorneys must know to advocate effectively. From understanding disability rights under U.S. and international law to navigating detention, accommodations, recent habeas and asylum victories, and the ethical duties owed to clients whose disabilities impact case strategy or competency, this session will equip you with essential tools to strengthen your practice and better protect vulnerable clients.

AILA NE Webinar: E-filing with USCIS
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
Register here

Speaker: Aleksandra Peryeva (Peryeva Immigration Law)

USCIS continues to expand its online filing system, including more options for business-immigration practitioners. This session will provide a practical overview of the USCIS online account system, including which forms can be filed electronically, key benefits and drawbacks of e-filing. We will discuss practical tips for managing online accounts, filing online, submitting evidence, and communicating with USCIS through the platform.

AILA New England Monthly Chapter Meeting (April) - Virtual (Zoom)
2026-04-23 16:00 - 18:30
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/lSUXr8lUQ9uz0m7xiS1ZDg
5:00pm – 5:30pm: Chapter Business meeting
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Main meeting
Main Meeting Topic: Attacks on Attorneys and Consequences of the Administration’s Targeting of Our Profession
Every day, we are grow increasingly concerned about how the current administration could target immigration attorneys. Hear from two experts in ethics who can demystify the bases of potential attacks on attorneys. Learn about current trends, ways we can protect ourselves, and the ethical implications of being an immigration attorney during this time.
Speakers:

Attorney Craig Dobson, Chair, AILA Well-being Committee, Ethics Counsel located in New York, NY
Attorney Andrew Nietor, AILA Board of Governors Elected Director from San Diego, CA

AILA NE Webinar: Step Into Leadership. Shape the Future of Immigration Law in New England
2026-04-27 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join the AILA New England Executive Committee for a special leadership conversation designed to demystify Executive Committee service and to show why serving on the Chapter’s Executive Committee is one of the most meaningful ways you can influence the immigration landscape in our region.
Serving on the AILA New England Executive Committee is more than a volunteer role. It is a chance to help shape policy priorities, strengthen the immigration bar, support your fellow practitioners, and advocate for immigrant communities across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Executive Committee members play a direct role in guiding the Chapter’s response to rapidly evolving legal, policy, and practice challenges, while ensuring that AILA New England remains a strong, inclusive, and effective voice for our members.
This program will feature a candid discussion with current and former AILA New England leaders, who will share what Executive Committee service really looks like: the responsibilities, the time commitment, the support systems in place, and the tangible impact this work has on both the membership and the broader immigration community. Panelists will discuss how leadership within AILA New England translates into meaningful professional growth, deeper connections across the bar, and a lasting contribution to the practice of immigration law.
Attendees will gain practical insight into:
– The role and responsibilities of the AILA New England Executive Committee
– How Executive Committee members influence programming, policy advocacy, government liaison work, and member support
– The skills and perspectives that make members effective leaders at every career stage
– How to prepare for and step into an Executive Committee role with confidence and purpose
– Whether you are early in your career, mid‑career, or a seasoned practitioner looking to give back in a more impactful way, this conversation will offer clarity, encouragement, and a roadmap for getting involved.
Presenters:
– Tania Martinez, AILA NE Chair, AILA Board of Governors
– Michelle Shepard, AILA NE Chair-Elect
– Peter Rees, AILA NE Vice-Chair
– MyungJin MJ Lee, AILA NE Treasurer
– Becky von Trapp, AILA NE Secretary
– Miki Matrician, AILA NE Immediate Past Chair, AILA Elected Director on the Board of Governors

AILA NE Webinar: Challenging immigration denials in Federal Court
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00
Register here

Speaker: Jesse Bless

With increasing immigration denial rates and a rise in arbitrary decisions, more practitioners are turning to APA litigation to challenge agency actions. While federal litigation is a powerful tool, it remains outside the comfort zone for many attorneys. Join Jesse Bless, an expert in federal court litigation involving immigration decisions and delays, for a discussion of common scenarios where federal litigation can effectively challenge denials, along with practical filing tips and recent developments in federal immigration litigation. This brown bag session will benefit both employment and family-based immigration practitioners and will focus on challenges to final agency decisions rather than delay-based claims.
