Oct. 29-30, 2024: Virtual CLE Conference: Preventing and Overcoming Hurdles to Survivor-Based Relief

ASISTA Virtual CLE Conference

Preventing and Overcoming Hurdles to Survivor-Based Relief

(Intermediate)

Tues., Oct. 29 – Wed., Oct. 30, 2024 (12-5pm ET)

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This conference, spread over two half-days, is intended for intermediate attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives who have experience or interest in working with noncitizens seeking survivor-based relief.  

Need help finding a way forward? From the painful basis of the petition, to the roadblocks put up by adjudicating agencies and the law itself, noncitizens pursuing U-, T-, and VAWA-related relief rarely enjoy a straightforward journey to success. At this conference, expert panelists will examine some of the biggest adjudication trends currently presenting barriers to relief if they are not anticipated, mitigated, or addressed strategically upon occurrence. In particular, Day One will focus on preventing hurdles by strongly documenting your client’s eligibility in the places adjudicators most stringently scrutinize, and by understanding the best ways to work with and present a case for a client experiencing symptoms of trauma. On Day Two, we will delve into addressing what adjudicators tell you are their concerns, by describing trends in RFE topics and how to respond. We will also review the numerous post-adjudication options that exist and how to select the one most likely to protect or succeed for this client, in this moment. Throughout the conference, ASISTA attorney experts will be joined by other national leaders in the field with years’ worth of insights into preventing and overcoming difficulties in survivor-based cases.

Intermediate Training: 8 CLE credits

Oct. 29 – Day ONE: Preventing Hurdles (12-5 pm ET)

Session One: (2 hrs.) 12-2 pm ET

Documenting the Case: For most survivor-based petitions, the applicant bears the burden of proving both that they meet the elements of the benefit and that the adjudicator should use their discretion to grant their case. In this session, we discuss effective strategies for case presentation, primarily before USCIS, including the strongest types of evidence for the legal elements and positive discretion. Panelists draw on their years of experience and broad perspectives to highlight areas that are commonly overlooked by practitioners or subjected to heightened scrutiny by adjudicators—and to offer suggestions to clear these early hurdles.

Speakers: Cynthia Lucas, Lucas & Barba LLP; Kelly Byrne, ASISTA; Lia Ocasio, ASISTA.

Session Two: (2 hrs.)  3-5 pm ET

Supporting the Survivor (and Your Relationship!): The traumatic experiences that make someone eligible for U, T, or VAWA relief can affect the survivor for years to come, in many different ways. In this session, we will review the neuroscience of trauma and its common effects on memory, judgment, and behavior. We will discuss how to support the survivor as they retell their experiences to build their case, and how to ensure any enduring symptoms of trauma do not become hurdles to working with you or winning their case.

Speakers: Payal Sinha, Tahirih San Francisco; Cristina Velez, ASISTA.

Oct. 30 – Day TWO: Clearing Hurdles (12-5 pm ET)

Session Three: (1.5 hrs.) 12:00-1:30pm ET

RFEs and NOIDS: In this session, we will discuss trends in requests for evidence and notices of intent to deny in survivor-based applications. Among other areas of focus will be cases for survivors with criminal histories and those who may not have told you about a ground of inadmissibility when you asked, as well as cases where you do not timely (or ever) receive a copy of the RFE or NOID.  Panelists will cover effective ways to respond—and pitfalls to avoid—and invite the audience to share their own experiences

Speakers: Annelise Araujo, Araujo & Fisher, LLC; Rebecca Eissenova, ASISTA; Lia Ocasio, ASISTA.

Session Four: (1.5 hrs.) 2:00-3:30 pm ET

Post-Decision Motions and Appeals: Despite our best efforts, cases are sometimes denied, and the survivor must decide whether to pursue any post-decision motions, appeals, or another course of action. In this session, panelists will use sample scenarios drawn from real cases to discuss choosing the best post-decision option for various bases of denial, and presenting a strong case for a different decision on review.

Speakers: Joy Ziegeweid, Urban Justice Center NY; Rebecca Eissenova, ASISTA.

Session Five: (1 hr.) 4-5 pm ET

Less-Used Strategies: When the strategies from the rest of the sessions do not resolve a case in your favor, what other recourse may exist? Panelists will describe less common ways forward, including nunc-pro-tunc filings, pursuing survivor-based options in immigration court, federal court litigation, and strategically re-filing after post-conviction relief.

Speakers: Kelly Byrne, ASISTA; Rebecca Eissenova, ASISTA; Lia Ocasio, ASISTA; Cristina Velez; ASISTA.

Prices for full training (5 sessions = 8 CLE credit hrs.)

• $82.80 SPECIAL RATE- Law Students

• $362.25 Legal Staff/Advocates/Non-Profit 

• $467.75 ASISTA Member Private Attorney

• $621 Non-member  

Note: Early bird pricing ends on October 22nd. Prices for training will increase $51.75 on Wednesday, October 23rd. Registration will close the day before the training on Monday, October 28th, 2024 at the end of the day.  

Please note that effective June 29, 2024, training fees include all credit card processing costs. There will be no separate charges when paying by credit card. If you choose to pay by check, you will receive a 3.5% discount (please contact manager@asistahelp.org to confirm the correct amount). Please mail checks to: ASISTA, PO Box 12, Suffield, CT 06078.

CLE: Approved for 8 hrs of Texas MCLE credits. Certificates of attendance will be available upon request and completion of training.

Questions: Contact Maria Lazzarino at manager@asistahelp.org with any questions.

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    ASISTA mailing address: PO Box 12, Suffield, CT, 06078