20 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2024 for “work” but because I had to, for them. Thus, in 1998 I decided to limit my focus to immigration, and I have never looked back. Reflecting on your journey in the legal profession, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as a woman in law, and how have you overcome them? March full speed ahead, don’t take no for answer, there is nothing you can’t do! When I became a lawyer in 1988 I didn’t really think about whether the profession was open to me or whether my gender raised barriers. In hindsight, perhaps there were unseen or latent obstacles, but I truly did not even contemplate their existence. I was lucky, people such as Ruth Bader Ginsberg blazed the trail for me. In answering this question I did remember that as a trial lawyer in the early 90’s I was mistaken for the court reporter at a deposition, referred to as the “secretary” because I had a pencil and pad in hand (I still remember and use those) but I didn’t pay attention or let them get in the way. I just kept going and did what I felt best. I also that think that those who practice in this field are likely more aware of the issues surrounding bias and discrimination. I often say that immigration lawyers are really social workers in disguise. We collectively work to bring families together, save people from harm, and assist employers who desperately need the talent that immigrants provide. Our area of practice is based on the concept of acceptance and equality and those that enter into this field already have that as a framework. Thus, and I posit that if gender bias is a concern or has already posed an obstacle for a new lawyer, immigration may be the most accepting of all legal specialties. Immigration law is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of legal developments and policy changes to best serve your clients? Staying on top of legal developments in immigration is perhaps one of the most difficult things about this area of practice. Legal developments, however, include not only changes to the laws and regulations but rather the processes and procedures that must be followed to comply with law. For example, on January 31, 2024 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) issued a final rule that on April 1st of this year, changed almost all of its filing fees. The short notice was not so much the problem but rather for many types of filings it was literally impossible to determine what fees were now required. While we were ultimately able to obtain additional necessary guidance from USCIS, for clients whose cases had to be filed prior to the clarifications, we literally had to make what we hoped were educated guesses. While in most areas of law an educated guess is a reasonable thing on which to rely, in this area it is not as immigration is perhaps the most unforgiving.In tax it is possible to file for an extension if you need more time. You “I often say that immigration lawyers are really social workers in disguise.” Corporate Immigration Lawyer of the Year
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