Immigration Law Practice Feasible in Wisconsin? Forum

[jmvargas]

Hello everyone and pardon me if I'm posting this in the incorrect forum but I need some feedback on where to attend.

I will be applying to Marquette and University of Wisconsin, Madison (among others in CA and the Southwest) this cycle. I currently work at small immigration law firm in California but I am looking forward to moving away from here at least for some time. Yeah, call me crazy, trading California weather for four month long Wisconsin winters is crazy but I need a change. Anyway, I am very familiar with immigration law already and I am very driven to pursue a career in this exciting field. Is there a market at all for immigration law practice in Wisconsin? Anyone that has any input on this subject please reply to this posting. Thanks in advance!

[starsong]

Since you're talking about a market for one specific area of law, I'm assuming you're planning to open up your own firm. If so, I would approach this like any other business proposition. How saturated is the market? (i.e. what is the proportion of # of immigrants to # and size of firms that practice immigration law) What price will the market support (i.e. how much can you charge), and how much profit would that leave you after debt service (this depends on your law school tuition, living expenses, prior savings, etc.)?

On the other hand, if you're planning on working at an existing firm, you should research placement statistics for those schools at the firms you're targeting.

[hoverin Ferb]

Yea...all dem Cannucks needs some representation, doncha know? Or they'll just invade.




Seriously, people are polite in MKE. It'll take a little getting use to--that and icecicles hanging from your nose.

Great town.

[General Tso]

I am just a 1L currently taking an immigration law course, but my impression is that in order to practice immigration law, you need to work in a market with immigrants seeking admission, green cards, etc. You probably won't find many of those in WI, at least not relative to CA.

You'd do better to attend Hastings and study under Boswell. There is a lot of immigration action around SF, lots of clinics and nonprofits where you can volunteer and get your foot in the door.

[Simpler Times]

I am just a 1L currently taking an immigration law course, but my impression is that in order to practice immigration law, you need to work in a market with immigrants seeking admission, green cards, etc. You probably won't find many of those in WI, at least not relative to CA.

You'd do better to attend Hastings and study under Boswell. There is a lot of immigration action around SF, lots of clinics and nonprofits where you can volunteer and get your foot in the door.

I'm a 1L at Wisconsin currently working an internship in immigration law.

While Hastings may be a better bet it is possible coming out of Wisconsin - due to the University there is a very high population of moderately wealthy foreigners.

When comparing international populations you have to remember to take into account 'international populations that can afford to hire a lawyer.'