Immigration Law Section

Message from the Chair

I am deeply honored to become the Chair of the Immigration Law Section. Following the great Barry Frager is not an easy thing to do. Barry has worked tirelessly over the past year to broaden the membership of the ILS, especially to include more Federal attorneys. I will try to continue his fine work.

My objectives are:

1. Expand the ILS, especially to recruit more Federal attorneys. We don’t need another organization for private practitioners–AILA fills that niche in exemplary fashion. The ILS is unique in that it is an organization of private attorneys, government attorneys, and immigration judges. Only in the ILS are attorneys and judges able to work together as equals, toward the betterment of the Immigration Courts and Bar.
2. Newsletter. The groundwork has been laid, and I hope that we will see a useful and entertaining ILS newsletter published at least quarterly. To keep expenses reasonable, the publication will be electronic. If you would like to assist in editing or submitting articles or short pieces, please let me know at LBurman@aol.com. Ideally, I would like to have an assistant editor to cover each judicial circuit. Please volunteer—we need you!
3. The Memphis CLE. Don’t worry, our flagship Immigration law Seminar will be held as usual, on May 17-20, 2012, in beautiful, friendly, and fattening Memphis. Barry Frager will continue as Coordinator-for-Life, so the food and ambience that has made this the most enjoyable and educational CLE anywhere will not be modified. If you haven’t attended this seminar, you must give it a try. I strongly recommend that you make your reservations at the Marriott Hotel Downtown, 901-527-7300. Be sure to request the FBA block of rooms, as we have negotiated a special rate. Rooms are scarce during Memphis in May, so reserve early, or you will be stuck commuting from the suburbs.
4. I hope to continue the Immigration Career Day that we held at George Washington University Law School last March. This event serves to introduce law students to the joys and challenges of immigration law, as well as make them aware of the FBA. It was a great success last year.
5. Other events. Hopefully, we can organize events in cities other than Washington and Memphis. These can be formal seminars, or dinners-with-a-speaker. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

I have high hopes that we can increase the size of our Section, and provide a product that will make you feel that your $10 in annual section dues is a good investment. Please feel free to communicate with me if you have any ideas.

Sincerely,
Lawrence Burman
Section Chair