This two-day training program will focus on many of the skills necessary to be an effective immigration law practitioner. Through presentations and small and large group exercises, participants will have an opportunity to develop and practice effective client interviewing techniques; learn methods for conducting legal research using primary and secondary immigration source books and the internet; and learn tips for writing persuasive letters, motions, declarations and other forms of writing in immigration cases. Participants will also witness a mock adjustment of status interview and discuss strategies for representing clients before the USCIS. Participants are encouraged to bring a current copy of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the 8 Code of Federal Regulations. The trainers for this program are CLINIC Attorneys Debbie Smith of San Francisco and Kristina Karpinski of Boston.

This training is for staff of Catholic Charities programs and other community-based organizations (CBOs) with IRS (501(c)(3)) nonprofit status, and attorneys and legal worker staff of private law offices. If you are registering as staff of a community-based organization, you must fax a copy of you IRS 501(c)(3) letter designating your agency as a nonprofit entity to CLINIC at 415-394-8696 to the attention of Chris Ozaki. Your registration will be confirmed upon receipt of this letter. If you are an attorney, please include your state bar number. Payment is by credit card only. Registrations must be received by April 8, 2010.

Cost: $235 per person for CLINIC Affiliates; $705 cap ($50 materials fee per person for more than 3 attendees from the same office site)

$260 per person from other nonprofit programs; $780 cap ($50 materials fee per person for more than 3 attendees from the same office site)

$390 per person for private attorneys and their staff

To register: cliniclegal.kintera.org/ProvidenceSkills