How to Pick a Law School for an Immigration Law Career
Key Takeaways
- Look for a law school with a strong immigration law curriculum or specialization.
- Seek out mentoring opportunities and hands-on experience.
- Get guidance from a pre-law advisor.
Choosing the right law school is crucial for building a successful career advocating for immigrants’ rights. Experts recommend finding schools with robust immigration law programs, experienced faculty, clinics for practical training, and mentorship opportunities.
“Law school graduates should have a solid legal education along with plenty of hands-on experience in their chosen field,” says Michelle Jacobson, chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration and a partner at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP.
Here’s how to pick the best law school for an immigration law career.
What Is Immigration Law?
Immigration law covers family-based and employment-based visas, business immigration, and asylum and refugee cases. Lawyers in this field help clients secure visas, work permits, and legal status while navigating complex regulations for individuals and businesses.
“Immigration laws shape policy by determining who can enter the country, the requirements they must meet, and how long they can stay,” Jacobson explains.
Spojmie Nasiri, an Afghan-American immigration attorney and principal at the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri, PC, was inspired by her family’s immigration journey.
“Being separated from my mother for years gave me firsthand experience with the pain, uncertainty, and resilience that come with the immigration process,” she says. “I wanted to use my legal skills to help others avoid similar struggles.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% growth in legal jobs by 2033, and experts note a shortage of immigration attorneys.
“Immigration is a niche field, but it overlaps with corporate, labor, family, and international trade law,” says Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney at Buchalter. “My practice touches on all these areas daily.”
Hands-On Experience in Immigration Law Clinics
Many law schools run legal clinics where students work in teams under faculty supervision. Immigration clinics provide real-world experience, such as helping clients apply for work visas or citizenship, assisting DACA recipients, defending detained immigrants in removal proceedings, and advising on criminal case immigration consequences.
Experts suggest researching schools with immigration clinics before applying.
“Immigration law clinics are invaluable for aspiring attorneys,” Nasiri says. “The field is highly technical, so applying theory to real cases is just as important as understanding the law itself.”
According to the Center for the Study of Applied Legal Education’s 2022-23 survey, about 85% of J.D. graduates participated in a clinic or field placement—a steady rate since 2019-20.
“Look for clinics that focus on asylum cases, deportation defense, and family-based immigration,” Nasiri advises. “Check if faculty are experts in removal defense and humanitarian relief.”
For example, the University of San Diego School of Law’s immigration clinic assists with family-based cases, work permits, and aid for crime victims, including survivors of domestic violence. Students learn client interviews, counseling, and legal representation.
Nasiri also recommends externships with immigration nonprofits, law firms, or government agencies, plus networking and mentorship through student groups and practicing attorneys.
Immigration Law Curriculum
Experts advise prioritizing schools with specialized immigration courses.
“Most schools offer immigration law as an elective with limited options,” Nasiri says. “Look for programs with extensive coursework and practical training.”
Jacobson suggests seeking courses like comparative immigration law, business immigration, and asylum/refugee law. If a top-choice school lacks immigration-specific classes, gaining work experience is crucial.
“This field is constantly evolving—students must adapt to shifting policies and interpretations,” she says.
Geographic location can also impact clinical opportunities. For instance, the University of New Mexico School of Law’s Border Justice Initiative provides hands-on experience representing immigrants, particularly women and children fleeing danger to seek safety in the U.S.
Since many schools offer only one or two immigration classes, Upadhyay recommends clinics led by professors who are current or former immigration attorneys.
“Knowing court preferences or specific USCIS officers’ tendencies is key to advising clients effectively,” she says. “You’ll only learn this from active practitioners or by networking with local attorneys.”
Immigration Law Concentrations & Certificates
Some law schools offer certificates or concentrations in immigration law within their J.D. programs.
“A concentration or certificate provides a structured path to expertise,” Nasiri notes.
For example, the University of Minnesota Law School offers an immigration law concentration, while UC Davis provides a certificate for students completing at least 15 units in immigration and citizenship law.
If a school lacks these programs, Upadhyay suggests taking every available clinic class and networking early with local immigration attorneys.
“Join the American Immigration Lawyers Association and connect with practitioners who can guide you,” she advises.
Application Tips
Experts recommend consulting a pre-law advisor on how to highlight your immigration law interest in your personal statement.
Cost is often a deciding factor—private law schools averaged $54,548 in tuition for 2023-24, while public schools averaged $27,068 (in-state) and $41,103 (out-of-state).
“The most important thing is finding a school that supports your goals with the right resources—courses, clinics, and mentorship,” Nasiri says. “Choose a school that aligns with your passion and career vision.”
