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2019

A Practical Guide to Immigration Removal Proceedings

San Antonio Jun 6-7, 2019 Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak
Conference Concluded
Live Webcast Jun 6-7, 2019
Conference Concluded
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Overview

Join us for UT Law CLE's 2019 Practical Guide to Immigration Removal Proceedings. This course is designed for beginning and intermediate immigration practitioners, criminal lawyers, family lawyers, and employment lawyers involved with the increasingly complex area of removal proceedings. Hear techniques and tactics for effectively handling typical and atypical problems. Interact with top immigration practitioners and gain strategies to provide the best advocacy for your clients, while protecting yourself and your practice.

This course walks through:

  • Recent Developments in Immigration Removal Proceedings
  • Ground for Deportability and Inadmissibility
  • Bond Proceedings, Challenging NTAs, Motions to Suppress, and Contesting Deportability
  • Challenging Crime-Based Grounds of Deportability
  • Relief in Immigration Court
  • Asylum
  • Adjustment of Status, Cancellation of Removal and Other Discretionary Relief, and Appeals and Motions to Reopen
And for a deeper-dive, be sure to add the optional Friday Afternoon Workshop! Work directly with program faculty and colleagues in this small-group, interactive forum to apply these techniques and strategies to a hypothetical case study. Walk through a demonstration of a bond hearing, the first Master Calendar Hearing, the appeals process, and filing a motion to reopen.

INSTRUCTORS
 
JODI M. GOODWIN practices immigration law in the trenches on the border in Harlingen, Texas. Since 1995 she has represented 1,000’s of asylum seekers, economic migrants, long-term permanent residents, businesses, families, and United States citizens in immigration and nationality matters. Jodi also represents immigrants and United States citizens in federal court in both criminal and civil proceedings. Jodi is past-Chair of the Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has served as a Director for the Cameron County Bar Association.
 
MICHELLE L. SAENZ-RODRIGUEZ is the co-founder of Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates in Dallas, Texas. Now in her 26th year of practice, Michelle is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of Texas. Michelle is former Chair for the Texas Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers. She is currently a member of the ABA Commission on Immigration. Michelle has recently been named “Top Lawyer in the Field of Immigration for 2018” by Best Lawyers in America. She recently became a Director for the AILA Board of Governors. She is on the AILA ICE National Liaison Committee and also serves as the EOIR Liaison in Dallas, Texas.

ERICA B. SCHOMMER is a Clinical Associate Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law where she teaches the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic. Before joining St. Mary's, Schommer was a partner at Rios & Cruz, P.S. in Washington State where she focused on detained removal defense and federal court litigation. From 2012 to 2015, Schommer served on the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration and was the co-chair of the Commission’s Mental Health Advisory Group. Schommer has a background in international human rights and has worked on various human rights issues in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
 
JACQUELINE L. WATSON is an El Paso native and undergraduate alum of the University of Texas at El Paso. She earned her J.D. at the University of Texas School of Law. Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Jacqueline has practiced immigration law in Austin since 1999 and proudly joined Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC in 2016. She served the AILA Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico Chapter as its Chair from 2015 to 2016.

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Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

  • Day 1 June 6, 2019
  • Day 2 June 7, 2019
  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Thursday Morning, June 6, 2019
  • 7:30 am
    San Antonio Only
    Registration Opens
    Includes continental breakfast. 

  • 8:50 am
    Welcoming Remarks

  • 9:00 am
    1.50 hrs
    0.25 hr ethics
    Grounds of Deportability and Inadmissibility
    Review the grounds of deportability and inadmissibility, and hear strategies for contesting common grounds of removal.

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 10:30 am
    0.25 hr
    Q&A: Grounds of Deportability and Inadmissibility

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 10:45 am
    Break

  • 11:00 am
    1.50 hrs
    0.50 hr ethics
    Bond Proceedings (approx. 30 min.)
    Examine bond eligibility, evidentiary requirements, and presentation of a bond determination hearing.

    Challenging NTAs, Motions to Suppress, and Contesting Deportability (approx. 1 hr)
    Learn how to launch procedural challenges to the Notice to Appear (NTA) and the timing, process, and substance of a Motion to Suppress. Discuss how to challenge individual allegations in the NTA, including burdens of proof, evidentiary challenges, and assessing citizenship claims.

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 12:30 pm
    0.25 hr
    Q&A: Bond Proceedings, Challenging NTAs, Motions to Suppress, and Contesting Deportability 

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 12:45 pm
    Pick Up Lunch
    Included in registration. 

  • Thursday Afternoon, June 6, 2019
  • LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
  • 1:05 pm
    0.50 hr
    Recent Developments in Immigration Removal Proceedings

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 1:35 pm
    Break

  • 1:50 pm
    1.50 hrs
    0.50 hr ethics
    Challenging Crime-Based Grounds of Deportability
    Discuss the categorical approach, plus a review of crime-based removability grounds, proof of conviction, doctrine of divisibility, and recent case law.

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 3:20 pm
    0.25 hr
    Q&A: ​Challenging Crime-Based Grounds of Deportability

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 3:35 pm
    Break

  • 3:45 pm
    1.00 hr
    0.50 hr ethics
    Relief in Immigration Court
    Learn how to build your case for relief and prepare for trial, including tips on gathering and organizing documentary evidence, preparing witnesses to testify. We will also discuss how to deal with ethical issues relating to your duty of candor to the court, confidentiality, and zealous advocacy.
     

    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 4:45 pm
    0.50 hr
    Q&A: Relief in Immigration Court and Wrap-Up

  • 5:15 pm
    Adjourn

  • Time
    Credit
    Subject
    Speaker
  • Friday Morning, June 7, 2019
  • 7:30 am
    San Antonio Only
    Conference Room Opens
    Includes continental breakfast.

  • 8:00 am
    0.50 hr ethics
    Ethical Issues and Self Care in Immigration Law
    Learn the importance of taking care of yourself to not skate the edges of ethical representation with issue of competence and lack of communication. Attention to burn out and secondary trauma are key to keeping yourself on career marathon instead of sprint!

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 8:30 am
    1.50 hrs
    0.50 hr ethics
    Changes to Asylum Policy
    In the changing world of asylum policy, learn how to present defense claims for asylum, withholding of removal, and deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture, including basic eligibility, crafting social group claims, issues with derivatives, and preserving issues for appeal.

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 10:00 am
    0.25 hr
    Q&A: Changes to Asylum Policy

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 10:15 am
    Break

  • 10:30 am
    1.25 hrs
    0.25 hr ethics
    Adjustment of Status (approx. 30 min.)
    Explore the criteria and opportunities for adjustment of status, including family based visas and proceedings, priority dates, grandfathering, and presentation of the case in immigration court.
     
    Cancellation of Removal and Other Discretionary Relief (approx. 25 min.)
    Learn about establishing eligibility for Cancellation of Removal for permanent residents and non-permanent residents, waivers of inadmissibility, and other forms of relief.
     
    Appeals and Motions to Reopen: The Basics (approx. 20 min.)
    Get an outline and overview of the basic rules for filing appeals and motions to reopen.

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 11:45 am
    0.50 hr
    Q&A: Adjustment of Status, Cancellation of Removal, Appeals and Motions to Reopen, and Wrap-Up

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • 12:15 pm
    San Antonio Only
    Adjourn
    Please note Friday lunch is not included in registration. If you are registered for the Immigration Removal Proceedings Workshop, the conference room will reopen at 1:00 p.m. and the sessions will begin at 1:45 p.m.

  • Friday Afternoon, June 7, 2019
  • Immigration Removal Proceedings Workshop

  • San Antonio Only
    *Optional Workshop Add-On: $125 registration fee (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

  • 1:00 pm
    San Antonio Only
    Conference Room Opens

  • 1:45 pm
    San Antonio Only
    1.50 hrs
    Workshop Part I
    Utilizing a case study, review and discuss bond hearings, examine a Notice to Appear (NTA) and its charges, and prepare for the first Master Calendar Hearing.

  • 3:15 pm
    San Antonio Only
    Break

  • 3:30 pm
    San Antonio Only
    1.50 hrs
    Workshop Part II
    Utilizing a case study, observe a demonstration of a merits hearing, review the appeals process, and discuss how to file a motion to reopen.

  • 5:00 pm
    San Antonio Only
    Adjourn


  • San Antonio Only
    Faculty

    Jodi M. Goodwin, Law Office of Jodi Goodwin - Harlingen, TX
    Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C. - Dallas, TX
    Erica B. Schommer, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
    Jacqueline L. Watson, Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC - Austin, TX

  • Day 1 June 6, 2019
  • Day 2 June 7, 2019
Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Jodi M. Goodwin

Law Office of Jodi Goodwin
Harlingen, TX

Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez

Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Erica B. Schommer

St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, TX

Jacqueline L. Watson

Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Jacqueline L. Watson—Co-Chair

Walker-Gates Vela, PLLC
Austin, TX

Michelle L. Saenz-Rodriguez—Co-Chair

Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Joanna Jefferson—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Credit Info

  • San Antonio
  • Live Webcast
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 14.25 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Immigration and Nationality Law
You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Monday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com
Toggle view California – 14.25 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. Self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  
Toggle view Oklahoma – 17.00 hrs  |  3.50 hrs Ethics
At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.
Other Credit
Toggle view TX Accounting CPE – 17.00 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you will need to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion at the conference for your records. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.  

Contact Laura Tolin, ltolin@law.utexas.edu, if you have additional questions.
MCLE Credit
Toggle view Texas – 11.25 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Immigration and Nationality Law
UT Law CLE will report credit to the State Bar of Texas on your behalf. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit.
Toggle view California – 11.25 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
Self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. Print and keep the Certificate of Completion for your records. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit.
Toggle view Oklahoma – 13.50 hrs  |  3.50 hrs Ethics
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.
Toggle view Other States – 11.25 hrs  |  3.00 hrs Ethics
Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State
If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.
 
To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. 

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.
MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.
Other Credit
Toggle view TX Accounting CPE – 13.50 hrs
The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Contact Laura Tolin, ltolin@law.utexas.edu, if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

San Antonio – Jun 6-7, 2019 – Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak
Conference Concluded
Live Webcast – Jun 6-7, 2019
Conference Concluded
Buy
San Antonio
Last day for Individual early registration: May 29, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for Group (5 registrants minimum) early registration: May 29, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for Group (10 registrants minimum) early registration: May 29, 2019

Add $50 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 31, 2019

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Jun 3, 2019
Live Webcast
Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 31, 2019

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Jun 3, 2019

Venue

speaker

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak

823 North Loop 1604 East
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 494-2420
1-800-325-0720 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

A limited amount of rooms are available at a room rate of $109 per night. This rate will be available through May 6th, or until the room block is sold out, whichever comes first. Please refer to group number 2358386 when you make a reservation over the phone or you can use the following link to book directly online:  UT Immigration Removal Proceedings Conference. 

Parking Information

Complimentary self-parking

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