The program is targeted at improving attorney-client communication and understanding. Asylum-seekers are a unique client group as they are often non-English speaking, new arrivals in a foreign culture, lacking family or other support, dealing with psychological or physical trauma or disability, and may be experiencing racial/legal status/language discrimination in addition to being persons in poverty. By increasing attorney knowledge and awareness about this population and the additional stresses from the immigration system, we hope to improve access to justice for asylum seekers by increasing quality representation.

This program will educate attorneys about common cultural and language barriers that asylum-seekers face in trying work with attorneys and access the American legal system. Through education about systemic biases in the immigration court, immigration enforcement, and asylum adjudication system we hope attorneys will be more effective advocates for their clients. By specifically addressing some common barriers raised in the MN-CABS study, we hope that attorneys can provide better legal services by realizing the complicating factors persons in poverty (which includes most asylum-seekers) face in trying to navigate the complex legal and social services system.

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 23rd 3 - 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Fredrikson & Byron 200 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 

CLE:  2.0 Elimination of Bias credits approved. Event code: 167993

Reception to follow for all volunteers: please come meet our staff, learn about our asylum program and mingle with other attorneys. You are welcome to attend the reception whether or not you register for the CLE. 

This training is targeted at attorneys with minimal to no asylum experience who are willing to represent a client seeking asylum through The Advocates for Human Rights.  The training is also a great refresher for attorneys who have represented asylum clients in the past.  

The Advocates staff will provide an introduction to asylum law and procedure and will review an asylum application form line-by-line.  The Advocates will also provide general tips and advice regarding representation of pro bono asylum clients.  

When: Tuesday, June 12th from 9 a.m. - noon

Where: Dorsey & Whitney, 50 South 6th Street #1500 Minneapolis, Minnesota 

CLE:  Three regular CLE credits will be applied for

We ask that all attendees either have taken or assisted with a case in the past two years or commit to taking a pro bono asylum case in the next year. Our asylum manual and other resources will be made available electronically to attendees.  Additionally, pro bono hours can be counted towards your CLE requirement.