Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteering as an Attorney
Do I need to have experience in immigration law?
No, you do not need any experience in immigration law to volunteer with the Immigration Justice Campaign. You only need to be a member in good standing of a U.S. state bar, and be committed to our mission of providing pro bono representation for individuals navigating the immigration system. Our attorney volunteers have a wide range of experience, from those just out of law school to those with decades of experience in asylum law. Whatever your level of experience, we provide the training and mentorship you need to provide quality representation. Many attorneys volunteer with us in part to learn and gain experience in the types of cases we take on.
How does volunteering work?
Watch our introductory video to learn more about how volunteering works.
How does mentorship work?
When you agree to work with a client, we will assign you an IJC staff attorney mentor who will be there to support you throughout the lifetime of the case. Mentors hold weekly office hours, and can provide you with all the training resources, samples, and materials you need. You are encouraged to check in with your mentor as the case progresses to get your questions answered and get the guidance you need.
Is there travel involved?
The majority of our pro bono assignments in recent years have been entirely remote. However, we are unable to fully anticipate possible shifts in immigration court changes in 2025 and how they would affect cases, and therefore, it’s possible that future appearances could be required in person. That said, we currently work with clients across a variety of U.S. states and have plans to expand the geographical reach of our work, so we encourage attorneys to apply regardless of their ability to travel.
I don't have malpractice insurance. Is that a problem?
No, we can provide malpractice insurance for volunteer attorneys who don't have their own.
Will I need to arrange interpretation?
No. If you do not share a language with the client, we will match you with a volunteer interpreter. If attorneys can provide their own interpretation, through their firm or otherwise, we welcome and encourage them to do so.
What is an EOIR number, and how can I get one?
Federal regulations require attorneys to register to practice before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and obtain a unique EOIR ID number. You will need to obtain this number before volunteering with us as an attorney. To obtain an EOIR number, follow the instructions here. Once you have your EOIR number, please submit it to us by emailing it to justice@immcouncil.org.
Volunteering as an Interpreter or Translator
How does it work to volunteer as an interpreter or translator?
When you apply to volunteer as an interpreter (of spoken conversations) or translator (of written documents), we will add you to our database of volunteers, and you will be notified when volunteer opportunities come up for speakers of your language(s). Some of these opportunities involve being paired with an attorney to work with a specific client for the duration of their case. Some are one-time or shorter-term opportunities. When you receive notifications of opportunities as they arise, they will include details on the type of opportunity and the time commitment you could expect.
Do I need to have a legal background?
No, interpreters and translators do not need to have a legal background or any special knowledge of legal terminology. You only need to be fluent in the language you are interpreting.
Other Questions
How can I donate to the Immigration Justice Campaign?
You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Immigration Justice Campaign on our Donation page.
Does the Justice Campaign offer internships?
The Immigration Justice Campaign does not offer internships.