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Pro Bono

“To what greater object, to what greater character, can we aspire as lawyers than to assist the helpless and friendless in a worthy cause? I say there is none. To devote your skill and energy to the plight of another, without the promise of a material reward for oneself, is what sets us apart as professionals.”

John Adams, 1761

Devoting time and professional skill to public service is a hallmark of the legal profession. AILA offers resources to assist members to locate opportunities as well as incorporate such service into their practices.

Fellow AILA member Seeking Pro Hac Vice Assistance in Vermont

Matt Meltzer, an immigration attorney in Chicago and partner at Meltzer Hellrung is seeking to file a mandamus suit regarding a petition that was sent to the VSC; however, no one in his firm is barred in Vermont.

Matt is looking for looking for an AILA NE member who is admitted in Vermont District Court who may be willing to assist as local counsel on a filing.

Please reach out to Matt at Meltzer Hellrung at 312.380.5460 or at mmeltzer@meltzerhellrung.com.

 

2022 Student Essay Contest

Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2022 American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter’s Student Essay Contest! Special congratulations to Grace Smith and Sammi Hanlon from Oak Ridge School in East Sandwich, MA and Calista Salpoglou from Mt. Alvernia Academy in Chestnut Hill, MA for their outstanding essays. Grace Smith won first place and wins $500 for her winning essay. Calista Salpoglou earned $300 for second place, and Sammi Hanlon earned $200 for second place. Congratulations! Read more about the contest here: Students Celebrate America’s Tradition of Welcoming Immigrants 05.16.2022

The AILA/PAIR Pro Bono Program

This Program is a collaborative project between the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Political Asylum Immigration/Representation (PAIR) Project. It is strongly supported by the Boston Immigration Court’s administration (EOIR) and its Immigration Judges. For more information and how to get involved see the attached Program Overview: AILA_PAIR Description

EOIR / Federal Court Shadowing Program

AILA New England has established this program to allow attorneys new to removal / federal court practice to observe real court hearings, see experienced practitioners in action, and have debrief meetings afterwards. To sign up or to get more information, please contact Julio Cortes Del Olmo, at: julio@delolmolaw.com.

If you are an AILA New England chapter member interested in obtaining more information about our Pro Bono activities, please contact one of our pro-bono project liaisons.

AILA New England UPIL Reporting Form

Please do not put any client-identifying information into this form. The UPIL Liaison Committee will follow-up with you if further information is needed. The information entered on this form will be shared with the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

* Required

  • If you select yes, we ask that you please keep a record of the client’s contact information to be contacted about future follow-up. (Note that as no client information is requested in this form, you and not the client will be contacted about any possible follow-up, in order to protect the client's confidentiality.)
  • *The word 'Notario' is used throughout this form to describe any individual who is holding themselves as qualified to provide immigration services. This does not included licensed attorneys or BIA accredited representatives. The purpose of gathering this information is to bring it to the attention of the MA Attorney General's Office who would then decide whether or not to investigate any claim. Filling out this form will not commence any legal action or proceeding against the named individual. The AGO or the UPIL Liaison committee will contact the attorney if any further action is to be taken.
  • Where did the harmed individual interact with the Notario?
  • Check all that apply
  • Check all that apply
  • Check all that apply