At the University of Miami School of Law's Immigration Clinic, students develop valuable skills by working on complex appeals for clients before immigration courts, including the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The appeals process involves a thorough review of the trial record, exhibits, and transcripts, followed by extensive research and writing. For clients, the appellate process can be challenging, as it often means they remain in detention for an extended period.
In a significant win, students in the clinic successfully reversed a decision by an immigration judge at the Puerto Rico Immigration Court, part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the Department of Justice, on appeal, securing a new trial for their client. The victory highlights the advanced legal work performed by students and the value of the school's commitment to experiential learning.
The successful appeal was handled by 3L Joseph Korzeb, one of the clinic's two student fellows. The Board of Immigration Appeals remanded the case, agreeing with the clinic's argument that the trial judge had not performed the correct legal analysis. In its conclusion, the court stated, “We cannot uphold the Immigration Judge’s decision as currently constituted given the [judge’s] deficient findings.”
This work is critical, as it addresses cases where a client has already lost once or twice in a lower court. "The stakes are higher," said Korzeb. "Working on an appeal has greatly improved my legal advocacy. I have honed my legal research and writing skills under the guidance of Professors Rebecca Sharpless, [founding director of the clinic], and Andrea Jacoski, [associate director].”
Law student Maria Alonso worked on the appeal of the case that she, together with team members Anusha Joshi and Albert Nicaud, litigated at trial at the Puerto Rico Immigration Court last semester. “Losing a case that you truly believe was wrongfully decided can be deeply disappointing for both you and your client,” Alonso said. “But when that remand finally comes through, they feel hopeful again and grateful for a second chance. Working on appeals has not only given me hope that real change is possible, but has also strengthened my persistence, client communication, writing, and research skills.”
Jacoski praised the students' work. “They maintained a deep understanding of the legal strategy of the case at both the trial and appellate levels. I attribute their rich and granular knowledge of the case to the success of the appeal.”
Building skills for modern practice
Established in 2009, the Immigration Clinic allows students to advocate for immigrants in complex proceedings. Students also collaborate with immigrant rights organizations on projects aimed at legal reform and social justice.
This successful appeal is a direct result of the School of Law’s mission to prepare students through an innovative, experience-based curriculum. The school’s nine clinics provide students with immersive opportunities to represent actual clients and deliver legal services to underserved communities. These are part of the School of Law’s broader offerings of experiential opportunities designed to engage students in real-world lawyering.
“Working on a case at the Board of Immigration Appeals was perhaps the best legal training I have received in law school thus far,” said Korzeb. “My classes have hopefully prepared me well to become a lawyer, but this case allowed me to apply the law in a high-stakes case with the guidance and supervision of our seasoned professors. Any win is great; but winning at the appellate level after losing in Immigration Court felt even that much better. I'm honored and appreciative to have received this incredible opportunity.”
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
Read more about Miami Law’s immigration law area of study.
