AILA University
FREE FOR AILA MEMBERS; NO CLE: Enjoy these short tutorials (3 to 6 minutes in length), free to all AILA members, covering real-world issues in an easily searchable format. Get the answers you need quickly and efficiently! New content will be continuously added to this growing “how-to” video library. When you select a video, click the “Register” button on the right, then select “Watch Video” to view the tutorial. New tutorial videos are added every Wednesday. Check back for new content!
This Week's New Tutorial Video
This often comes up during your initial consultation. What is the right answer? Must the client invest the entire amount or spend the money before applying for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa? Can the client leave the money in the bank and plan to spend it as soon as they receive the E-2 visa?
Responding to RFEs When External Circumstances Make Them Impossible to Fulfill
This video discusses when emergency circumstances outside your control, like the covid-19 pandemic, make it impossible to fulfill an RFE and what should you do.
Options When a Client Can’t Travel Before Their Immigrant Visa Expires
What can you do if your client was issued an immigrant visa and will not be able to enter the U.S. by the deadline?
J-1s in the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic
This video discusses the current restrictions on the J-1 program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LCA Requirements for H-1B Employees Working Remotely
What needs to be done to meet the requirements of the Labor Certification Application for H-1B beneficiaries who work remotely?
Share AILA.org Content on Social Media
Do you want to start a conversation on social media about a recent policy change, or share a great AILA resource with your community? All public documents on AILA.org have social media sharing tools. Watch this video to learn how to take advantage of them.
Litigation Resources on AILA.org
This video provides information about where to find litigation resources on AILA.org.
The Agora Marketplace Basics
This video will cover the basic functions of the Agora website. This includes paying for your AILA membership, making an order and registering for conferences/seminars.
Picking a Forms Program
Comparing costs, value, what best fits your type of practice? Can you get by with a basic program or do you want a cloud based program? Are you and your staff able to use the more technological programs? Is tech support available easily?
Succession Planning for Solos: What Does Your Retirement Look Like?
This video is part of a three-video series on succession planning for solos. It will discuss retirement planning.
Succession Planning for Solos: Backup Attorneys for Vacations and Emergencies
This video is part of a three-video series on succession planning for solos. It will discuss backup attorneys for vacations and emergencies.
Succession Planning for Solos: How to Prepare Your Practice for Death or Disability
This video is part of a three-video series on succession planning for solos. It will discuss preparing your practice for death or disability.
Replying to an H-1B RFE on Specialty Occupation Challenges (3): Employer Normally Requires a Degree
This video will cover how to reply to an H-1B RFE that claims the job is not a specialty occupation on the basis that it does not fulfill the requirement of subsection (3) “The employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.”
Replying to an H-1B RFE on Specialty Occupation Challenges (2): Degree Is Common in the Industry
This video will cover how to reply to an H-1B RFE that claims the job is not a specialty occupation on the basis that it does not fulfill the requirement of subsection (2) “The degree requirement is common to the industry in parallel positions among similar organizations or, in the alternative, an employer may show that its particular position is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree.”
Replying to an H-1B RFE on Specialty Occupation Challenges (4): Duties Are Specialized and Complex
This video will cover how to reply to an H-1B RFE that claims the job is not a specialty occupation on the basis that it does not fulfill the requirement of subsection (4) “The nature of the specific duties are so specialized and complex that knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a baccalaureate or higher degree.”
Ethics Resources on AILA.org
In this AILA Resources Tutorial, learn how to use AILA Ethics resources like the AILA Ethics Compendium to help you effectively research and find answers to complex questions.
Changing Your Display Settings in AILALink
AILA legal research frequently asked question: how to change your AILALink display settings.
Tips for Requesting Case Assistance from a Member of Congress
Learn how Members of Congress and their staff can assist you on case-specific inquiries.
Managing Client Communications for Increased Productivity
How can you do less work while still managing your clients? This video provides tips for increasing productivity.
Ideas for Proving the Abuser’s Status in a VAWA Case
DV survivors don’t always have copies of their abuser’s documents to show they are U.S. Citizens or LPRs. What are some other examples of evidence you can provide to meet your burden? Can USCIS confirm an abuser’s status for you?
Common U Visa Cases That Could be T Visa Cases to Avoid the Long U Visa Backlog
T visas are preferable to U visas due to the long U visa backlog. Many domestic violence and workplace crime cases may be viable T visa cases. Learn to screen for T visa eligibility.
How Long Is the U Visa Waitlist and How Can I Explain It to My Client?
Exactly how long will it be until my client receives a decision on the U visa? Why is it taking so long? Can the client receive a work permit while it’s pending? Is there anything that can be done to expedite the petition?
Searching Within a Specific Book on AILALink
How to search within a single publication on AILALink.
Four Keys to Software Success
This video discusses the four keys to software success: the test drive, integration costs, support offered, and training.
How to File a Mandamus Action
Have a long-delayed immigration matter? This video will explain the basics of filing a mandamus action in federal court.
How to Effectively Enhance Law Firm Profitability
This video discusses the three ways to effectively enhance profitability: 1) increase the fees you charge, 2) increase the number of clients you serve by increasing your marketing and business development efforts, or 3) improve efficiency by increasing productivity and reducing costs of doing business.
Your First Meeting with Your Asylum-Seeking Client
When meeting with your client for the first time, there is some important information that you need to get. Here are some tips and steps to use to start building that rapport and trust between you and your client.
Late Filings in Immigration Court
Can I include evidence if I missed the call up date? Emergency motions to accept the late-file documents, what to say on the call or voice message.
Your Most Profitable Hour All Year
Billable time determines your income, but nonbillable time determines your future. Reid Trautz, Director of the Practice & Professionalism Center, makes the case for non-substantive law CLE. Then register for the AILA Law Practice Management Conference—the conference that will determine your future!
Saving a Search on AILALink
How to save a search on AILALink.
What Are the Parts of a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
Removal proceedings begin with the filing of a Notice to Appear (NTA). This tutorial will explain what is found on an NTA.
Importance of an I-213 in Removal Proceedings
In removal proceedings, there is often a reference to an “I-213”. This tutorial will explain what an I-213 is and why it is very important to removal proceedings.
How Much Can You Charge for Your Services?
What standards govern the upper limits of what a lawyer can charge for his or her services?
The Ethics of Minimum Fees
What is a minimum fee and are they ethically permissible? What happens if the representation ends early, and how do you set a reasonable milestone to delineate when the minimum fee is earned?
The Ethics of Hourly Billing
Where does the advanced payment for hourly fees go, trust or operating? What tasks can you bill for?
The Five Sources of All Clients
There are really only five sources of most clients. Cultivating productive relationships with referral sources is relatively simple and can have profound results on your law firm’s bottom line.
How and Why to Create a Member Paralegal Account
This video explains what a member paralegal account is and how AILA members can create these accounts for their paralegals.
Preparing the DS-160
Get tips on how this electronic form can be prepared for your client and your client's responsibility to submit to the consulate.
What Types of Matters are Processed by the National Visa Center (NVC)?
What Types of Matters are Processed by the National Visa Center (NVC)?
Moment of Mindfulness: Mindful Walking
As part of our wellness series, join us for mindful walking.
2020 AILA Virtual Asylum Conference
Panelists will offer expert guidance and provide essential tools for practitioners to use as they continue to navigate the ruins of the U.S. asylum system.
Maintenance of Status: What You Need to Know in the Current Climate
October 15, 2020
Web Seminar
Our panel of experts will discuss how to advise clients about maintaining legal status during these uncertain times, especially for those impacted by layoffs. They also will offer tips and strategies for providing effective counsel to nonimmigrant (NIV) and intending immigrant clients that fall out of status.
