Spring 2025 MCLE Series

MCLE: On the Edge: Spotting and Defending Clients at Risk of Deportation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Presented by Jose Marin, Esq., and Jhon Tesoro, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits

With shifting enforcement priorities and increased vulnerability for certain noncitizens, it’s critical for new lawyers to recognize red flags and respond quickly with the right strategies. This training is designed for entry-level immigration attorneys who want to develop practical tools to identify and defend clients facing imminent removal.

View the recording and materials here.

MCLE: Medical Waivers for Naturalization

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Presented by Brett Snider, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits

This training covers challenges that immigrants with disabilities face when applying for naturalization and the options available to them. Topics include:

• Filing the USCIS Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
• How to advocate at USCIS interviews.
• Other accommodations available to citizenship applicants with disabilities, such as waivers for the oath of allegiance.

View the recording and materials here.

MCLE: Trauma-Informed Lawyering and the Asylum Declaration

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Presented by Rachel Kafele, Esq. and Slater Stanley, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits

Many asylum seekers have very little physical evidence to substantiate the persecution that they have experienced in their home country or their fear of being returned. Their testimony is given significant weight, and a well-crafted Declaration paints for the Adjudicator a picture of the client’s experience—and how those details satisfy the elements of asylum.  The stronger a Declaration, the more likely that the Adjudicator will have fewer questions for the client at the Interview or Individual Hearing.

Many asylum seekers have also experienced significant trauma in their lives—it’s these traumatic events that often make up the basis for their asylum claims. Details that will make their cases stronger can sometimes be difficult to gather; some clients have never shared these painful experiences or their sexuality, gender identity, or HIV status with others. Building trust through communication, professionalism, and attention to detail is invaluable to the process.

This training will be provided by Oasis’ Rachele Kafele and ALRP’s Slater Stanley. The presentation will focus on trauma-informed lawyering practices combined with how to write a Declaration for an asylum case (mostly focused on LGBTQ+ asylum cases). Following the training, we would be thrilled to connect you with an ALRP client in need of Declaration support at this time.

View the recording and materials here.

MCLE: Introduction to VA Disability Benefits

Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Presented by John Unruh, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits

This presentation will provide an overview of who qualifies for VA Disability Benefits; what VA Disability Benefits are available for veterans, their dependents, and their survivors; how to screen for the potential merits of cases and submit successful appeals of unfavorable VA decisions; the role of advocates and attorneys in the VA’s ‘non-adversarial’ adjudicative process; and tips, tricks, and best practices when representing claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

View the recording and materials here.

MCLE: Navigating SSI Benefits Eligibility

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Presented by Lynnette Baclig, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits

SSI Benefits can often change over time as one’s life changes. We will explore how certain lifetime events can change eligibility for benefits, and how to successfully navigate the process of updating SSI Benefits. 

View the recording and materials here.

MCLE: The Changing Immigration Landscape: Know Your Rights!

Thursday, May 29, 2025, 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Presented by Courtney McCausland, Esq.
1.5 General CLE Credits
Register Here

Everyday new stories emerge of ICE raids, deportations to El Salvador without due process, and even American citizens arrested and held. It is important to know your rights whether you are undocumented or a U.S. Citizen.