An Introduction to Immigration Law 2026

  • Webcast seminar
  • OnDemand seminar
  • Immigration Law
  • New Lawyer
Up to 8.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
An Introduction to Immigration Law 2026

Endorsed by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin

An immigration initiation

Immigration law is both technically complex and deeply consequential for those it affects. In today’s enforcement environment, missteps can have life-altering consequences, and competent representation matters more than ever. For attorneys considering immigration work, the challenge lies in preparation and knowledge, not demand.

Designed for lawyers seeking a realistic understanding of what immigration representation looks like in practice, An Introduction to Immigration Law provides a structured orientation. You’ll gain clarity on how the system operates, where the biggest risks arise, and what competent representation requires.

8:30 am
Introduction to Terminology & Key Concepts

Freya Katkowsky

9:20 am
Framework: Where Does the Law Come From & What Agencies Are Involved?

Raluca Vais-Ottosen

10:10 am
Break
10:25 am
Introduction to Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Visas – who qualifies, overview of the process, and which government agencies are involved for:

Jennifer Hanna

  • Family-Based Immigrant Visas
12:10 pm
Lunch (on your own)
1:10 pm
Practicing before the EOIR – nuts and bolts

Aissa I. Olivarez

2:10 pm
Practicing before the EOIR – panel discussion

Moderator: Aissa I. Olivarez, Speakers: Kate F. Drury, Caroline M. Fuchs, Jessica K. Slind

3:00 pm
Break
3:15 pm
Ethics: Risks of Practicing Immigration Law in a Chaotic Time

Matthew M. Beier, Raluca Vais-Ottosen

  • Be aware of WILMIC’s increase in claims among insured immigration attorneys in the rapidly changing regulatory environment
  • How you can avoid taking on more than you’re prepared to handle in order to steer clear of legal malpractice pitfalls
4:10 pm
Federal Litigation in the Immigration Context

Elisabeth W. Lambert, Gabriela Parra

5:00 pm
Program Concludes

Program Chairs & Presenters

Jennifer Hanna
Eastbridge Law Group, LLP · Madison
Freya Katkowsky
Eastbridge Law Group, LLP · Madison

Presenters

9 total
Matthew M. Beier
Wisconsin Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co. · Madison
Kate F. Drury
Kate Drury Law LLC · Waupaca
Caroline M. Fuchs
Lotfi Legal LLC · Madison
Amanda K. Gennerman
Pines Bach LLP · Madison
Elisabeth W. Lambert
Wisconsin Education Law and Policy Hub · Milwaukee
Aissa I. Olivarez
Community Immigration Law Center · Madison
Gabriela Parra
Layde & Parra S.C. · West Allis
Jessica K. Slind
Pathfinder Immigration Law LLC · Madison
Raluca Vais-Ottosen
DeWitt LLP · Madison

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Develop an understanding of how immigration law operates in practice, not just in theory
  • Understand the mechanics of EOIR practice and learn what to expect in hearings and filings
  • Identify common risk points in immigration representation and how they can lead to malpractice exposure
  • Learn to assess case complexity and recognize when matters may exceed your experience or capacity
  • Evaluate your ability and willingness to handle work with high personal and legal stakes
  • Gain a practical perspective on whether immigration work can realistically fit into your practice
  • Lawyers looking to add immigration to their practice
  • Immigration lawyers seeking a refresher on the fundamentals
  • Lawyers serving in communities with significant immigrant populations
  • Lawyers whose clients may face immigration-related concerns
  • New lawyers

YLD Discount!

Young Lawyers Division members receive a $20 discount on tuition.* Discount applied automatically upon log-in.

*Young Lawyers Division Members are State Bar member attorneys 36 years of age or younger, or within five years of admission to the State Bar of Wisconsin. If you’ve opted out of YLD, you will not receive this discount. The $20 discount only applies to in-person, live webcast, and webcast replay versions of this seminar – not CLE OnDemand.. YLD members with Ultimate Passes, other CLE passes, or PINNACLE discounts are not eligible for this discount.

Book Bonus!

Immigration Consequences of Wisconsin Criminal Offenses
Save 15% on Immigration Consequences of Wisconsin Criminal Offenses.* Strengthen your practice with this comprehensive resource for evaluating immigration implications and crafting plea agreements that safeguard your noncitizen clients. Use discount code CA3946 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/27. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

BYP

The Build Your Practice Series from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE® introduces you to the fundamentals of various practice areas. Gain the tools and information you need to develop a new area of practice and expand your firm's offerings. Build Your Practice Series programs are endorsed by the State Bar's Young Lawyers Division.