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How do I Become a Deportation Lawyer?

Matthew Brodsky
Matthew Brodsky

Deportation attorneys offer a wide range of consultation and legal services that deal with immigration law in a given jurisdiction. To become a deportation lawyer, you need to complete the appropriate undergraduate and post-graduate studies. The next step is to pass the examinations required in the given jurisdiction in which you plan to practice. The final step to becoming a deportation lawyer is to interview for and be hired for a job at a law firm or to practice law on your own.

An immigrant might hire a deportation attorney to help him legally enter into a country using visas or work permits or through refugee laws. When an immigrant is inside a nation illegally and then gets caught, he might also hire an attorney to help protect his rights, prevent him from being deported, and help him to get out of jail or stay out of jail.

Businessman with a briefcase
Businessman with a briefcase

Typically, an immigration attorney should have, or be able to develop, superior reading comprehension and argumentative skills. Immigration attorneys will need to be able to file briefs and actions on behalf of their clients, as well as argue before courts. A deportation lawyer might also find it valuable to study and know other languages, particularly those spoken by the immigrants who travel to the countries in which they hope to work.

The next step to becoming a deportation lawyer would be to earn the appropriate academic degrees. Attorneys are usually required to have an undergraduate degree before applying to law school. Even though no particular type of degree is mandated, certain degrees could be better choices than others in order to become a deportation lawyer. A degree in a foreign language or another liberal arts degree that stresses reading and writing skills could be good choices.

After attaining the undergraduate degree, your next step would be to attend a law school, preferably in the jurisdiction in which you hope to practice, and then to pass the appropriate post-graduate exams. In the US, each state has specific exams that you would be required to pass to be able to practice there. To become a deportation lawyer, check to see what the exam requirements are for each jurisdiction you hope to practice in.

The final step in becoming a deportation lawyer is to get a position at a law firm. Choices range from large firms or small boutique firms that specialize in immigration law. Another choice for a deportation lawyer would be to start your own practice.

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      Businessman with a briefcase