Been practicing immigration law for a few years at a nonprofit. I love the field, but it’s barely paying the bills in LA for my family. I’ve been applying to a lot of jobs for a year and trying to market myself, but I’m either not being called to interviews or being told I don’t have any experience outside immigration. I have a strong resume and interview skills but I feel like there’s a giant immigration/nonprofit sticker on my forehead and I can’t ge rid of it. Any suggestions on a transition?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Have you tried to apply for corporate immigration roles? The pay is much higher and there is a career progression if you want it. It could be a bit dull, but a definitely higher pay than private/non for profit. Try Fragomen, Seyfarth, and the Big4. If that is not for you, you may try some other private client work that could have transferable skills.

likehelpful

That is a bit strange, since some of them have private client related corporate sourced work, so would be easy to start there. Potentially the position is a bit too senior and you need to start with casework, as opposed to management of the corporate accounts. Good luck in your search!

I currently practice business immigration and we make a good bit. I agree about Ogletree and Fragomen always hiring. Feel free to message me and I can help with your search. I have a few contacts. Also, Fragomen has great remote positions if you’d be into that.

likeuplifting

May I ask how much you make with how many years of experience?

I’m exactly in your position. If you don’t mind, how much are you making? And how many years of experience?

like

Same. Very slow growth with our salaries and I wonder if they will be capped eventually.

helpful

How about a pro bono counsel position? I think Manatt was looking for immigration pro bono counsel a few weeks ago.

like

It's been filled...

Maybe if you were open to junior roles you could pivot into employment work? Right now those groups are pretty busy navigating COVID regulations, but knowing things about visas and work status etc seems like it could be useful in an employment practice.

like

Thank you! I’ll keep an eye out for those too. Just having a hard time finding ones that don’t require several years of experience

Ogletree Deakins and Fragomen are always looking- don't be afraid to apply to different offices and seeing if there's a remote position. Also, start informational interviews with partners - a lot of people get their jobs through I posted opportunities. You never know if you're not putting it out there.

helpful

Thank you! That’s pretty helpful advice. I’m going to expand my search to these bigger firms.

Hi Staff Attorney! Just joined the app and your post resonated with me. I am also am immigration attorney at a non profit. Have you made the transition?

Related Posts

like

Hi, I am travelling to Poland on work visa in January 2023. Also I am getting married in December 2022. I am thinking of getting my spouse name added in my passport. Will my work visa will still remain valid in my old passport? Or there will be issues at immigration?

like

I heard from my head that there is a lot of slowdown in VW Germany... There is Hiring freeze, level freeze and all ... And soon that will spillover to india. So be prepared for very less hikes in coming cycle :( Also automotive sector in general is struggling with tesla laying off 10% workforce recently. Maybe time to make a move? What do you say fishes?

like

Which companies are hiring adjusters that pay 70k plus base salary and allow remote work? Or anything similar that would be a good fit for an experienced adjuster?

like

What skills must one build upon to pivot from Investment team at a PortCo of a mega fund (>$300 Bn), to investment team at a PE?

Would genuinely appreciate some advise as I start this new role at the PortCo from next month. TIA 🙏

like

Can someone transition into PE Ops from an M&A background focused in ITDD, IT Value Creation, etc? Thank you.

like

Hi Guys,

I have 11YOE overall. I am doing a CSM & PM(PMP) role for past 4Y

CCTC - 11LPA
Already got an offer of 15LPA

Atteending further more interview
How much should I quote as my ECTC ?
Pls hlp

Thanks!

like

Anyone switched from big 4 tech consulting to big five banks? Would love to know which role you applied for and how, plus how’s the culture and WLB?

like

Hi Fiahes,

Can anyone please tell me what is consumer tech ASE 3 and 4 job role in Amazon

like

Hi All, a friend of mine is actively looking for job in Wealth management field. She holds 8 years of experience in the same. Any Referals for similar opening would be appreciated.

Would you leave a job at a startup who is still running on investment funds after almost 5-6 years of founding even though work environment is great?

Anybody work for liberty mutual remotely in a non-phone position in claims? I’m in CL claims intake but i hate phones going to stick around until i Can get away from the phones!

like

I'm at wits end guys. After spending the past 2 years producing and learning new skills in the gaming industry. I'm completely unable to find work.
I have 8+ years of experience as a full stack web developer with a strong set of design skills having begun my career in User Experience Design. Now with the last two years I've added game production in Unity, C#, 3D modeling and animation, level design, narrative design, and asset management to my skillset. I'm unable to support myself.

like

My H1B is processing but after hearing stories that company won't provide any projects for US even after H1B approval , should u take a jump. Have a offer in hand for another company which pays 50% hike on current package

like

Considering a role at BCG Digital Ventures - can anyone share the hierarchy and salary structures?

like

Is IB worth the sacrifice of WLB? Obvious pay is really good but are the prestige and pay worth it if you’re planning on only doing it for a couple years?

Currently working at an IRA with great WLB. Honestly I love my job, the firm, and people I work with.

Also doing MBA part time at a T15 school. Thinking about switching to IB but I’ve done my research and I think I would burn out of IB in two years but I might be ok with that for the opportunities after.

like

I just finished what I thought was the final round of interviews for a job that I really want. Everything has been going extremely well. The recruiter just called to tell me that they want me to do one more round, though. This will make 8 interviews total, including a full case study presentation to 4 people. Should I be worried? Is this a red flag?

Are there any schools in particular that are really good for non profit careers? I’m planning to apply to business school but wanted to specialize in social impact

like

Got another reject 😔
Advice on applying in Round 3 for Darden ?

like
like

More Posts

Which one of the two has more long term monetory benefits/growth? Working as a product manager or working as a software developer. I need an honest opinion.

like

Epam vs Neudesic which one to choose??? Role devops 4+ years of experience.

like

Looking to transition into an HR leadership position. 17+ years experience in running a startup managing 50-100 people (15 years) and handled all facets of hiring, firing, compensation, negotiation, training and employee relations. Responsibilities also include other non HR functions such as business dev., client relations and expansion, logistics. Currently studying for the SPHR and plan to take the GPHR as well. Thoughts on difficulty of moving into an HR leadership role?

like

Hi,

My team at Fractal is hiring for various roles in analytics, like consultant, data engineer, data scientist across all bands.

Now is a good time to be in Fractal.
If you have 2+ YOE and have above skills, shoot me a DM

like

I’ve been in non-profit finance for over 6 years, now looking to go into compliance. I’ll appreciate any advice I can get.

like

I have 9 years of overall experience and past 2 years with Oracle, I am in SAAS based apps, Recently I got 5 rating in the appraisal and Manager asked what is the number you are expecting ?
Any idea what to quote either percentage / LPA ?

like

I am new joinee,Still unallocated.Can i get first month salary ?

like

Hello People,

Just wanted some suggestions i have been working as a python developer for the last 3 years
Now I am thinking of switching to a data engineer position I need your suggestions is it good to switch or a python developer It is good to continue or what's your suggestions thanks in advance

like

Anyone out there who is a RN who works in marketing? I have been a surgical nurse/nurse navigator for 10 years and for the last 2 years have taken an interest in marketing. I have my own social media management company I do on the side for locals, but I want to transition to working for a company full time. Tips?

like

Pete the Cat is back.

like

Hello, I’m an associate (almost at the one year mark) at a midsize firm on the EPL team. I did about 2 years of employment law as a clerk during school and know that’s what I want to go into. I’ve asked for more EPL work but keep catching PI cases. I second-chaired an employment trial but don’t see any EPL work for the foreseeable future and wasn’t getting as much EPL exposure as I wanted before the trial. Any advice on a lateral move to a bigger firm with a broader range of EPL work?

like

What is the salary I should ask for in IBM.. YOE: 6.5, SAP FICO… Current Salary 15 LPA

like

what kind of strategy roles have folks pivoted to brand side, and where do you find openings? the few “brand strategist” jobs i’ve seen are 1. few and far between and 2. require 10+ years of experience

like

To those at V25 firms, how do you view your London office in terms of the quality of work we get and overall importance to the firm? Like is there a perception of us being a step down or ancillary to the big leagues of NYC or not? There’s generally a perception here that L&W and K&E are the only US firms where London can even begin to compete with stateside in terms of generating l work organically but would be interesting to know what you all think? Be brutally honest.

like

Has anyone had a Manager that does not work well with your ADHD? Im going through this right now and the way they communicate doesn’t match what I need. If I ask questions, they huff and puff. But then get upset if something is done and it doesn’t meet their exact expectations. It’s sucks that I don’t have enough interest to continuously focus on the projects, but now I have even less motivation because I dread dealing with my manager.

like

Niche practice area, and thinking about moving firms. Without moving cities, there are really only 2 options. I think both would make me an offer and create a position. How should I approach this?

like

Why did you decide to leave your first firm job? If you had a chance to jump ship but stayed, why did you stay?

like
like

Can anyone give an idea what is average hike %age in optum in annual appraisals i have offer from infoedge and optum in infoedge i got to know they offer nearly 20% hike. Anyone working in optum can help here please

like

Additional Posts in Law

Why do partners tell associates to be cost-conscious when billing for certain clients when they can just cut your hours on the back end?

like

How many billable hours per week is considered at capacity? I’m getting pushback on boundaries I’m setting about additional matters and marketing work from my firm when I’ve been billing 60-75 hours per week for the last 6 weeks, and I’m still behind on my work. I feel like it’s reasonable to not kill myself further to fit in more/turn things around faster at this point, but am I being unreasonable? I expect my workload to remain at this level through the end of the year at least.

like

Market research - can anyone in Philly share their firm name, salary, and year?

like

Fifth year labor and employment associate at Big4 L&E firm (think Littler) and am considering making a move into big law (think Jones Day, Goodwin, etc.) Any thoughts on if it’s worth it this late in my associate career? Also, do those big firms take 6-8 year L&E laterals?

like

How do y’all deal with burnout? First year already billed 1900 since Jan. I feel like I’m tired and uninterested in work all the time now.

like

Considering accepting a fully remote role and living in different cities for 6+ months at a time. Anyone else do this and have experiences to share?

like

Thoughts on Katten finance group?

like

Does anybody work in a rule for a litigation finance or legal funding company who doesn't hail from a big law firm in background? Basically I have a lot of interest in the area have read a book about it in my free time and was wondering what sort of entry level opportunities I should be seeking.

like

Just looked up a firm a recruiter told me about. I would be the only Latino on the roster and among the few that didn’t go to an Ivy League or top 20 law school. I don’t even know if I should bother applying...

like

Opinions on career clerkships? Especially with a two year old and wanting another child eventually.

like

Interested in hearing what your firm gives clients for the holidays, if anything? Please provide firm size and gift/gift value.

like

Terrified of lateraling as a 5th year. I feel like I might know less that what my new firm thinks I know. It’s a great firm and a superlative practice group. I went through 12 partner interviews in 4 rounds and am both excited and scared. 3 weeks until I start. Any tips?

like

Aside from just time and experience, is there anything I can actively do to advance in my career and get more responsibility / client interaction? I’m a first year

like

How long does a Defendant have to oppose a motion for leave to amend a Complaint in Florida for a matter pending in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County?

likehelpful

Has anyone taken  ACAMS Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS)? Any comments/ reviews? How has it enhanced your employability? Why did you take the CGSS?

like

I joined fishbowl a month ago and while I’ve seen a couple contentious debates but I must say I’m pleasantly surprised at how respectfully ppl comment on this app even when disagreeing. Usually anonymity on the internet brings out the absolute worst in ppl; they type things anonymously that they would NEVER say in person smh. But I really haven’t seen horrible comments here. I wonder what makes this app diff frm others?

like

I have a promising interview at a relatively large law firm in my area (+100 attorneys) next week. The position is for a transactional role in their real estate practice group, and they are seeking someone with at least 2 YOE. I have a bit over 7 YOE with a strong real estate/commercial lit. background. Over the past two years in my current position, I've been doing a lot more transactional work. The split is around 50% transactional and 50% lit.

(Continued below)

like

Has anyone else noticed that a hugely disproportionate number of latinx big law attorneys seem to be white / white-passing?

like

If an individual resides in CT and works in NY can we serve them in NY?

like

Wondering if legal tech is legit or all hype

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal