“Securing Accreditation for Non-Attorney Representatives: A Step-by-Step Guide for Organizations”

Service Description

Introduction

A Request by an Organization for Accreditation of a Non-Attorney Representative is a crucial process for legal aid organizations seeking to empower non-attorney staff to provide certain types of legal assistance. This accreditation is particularly important in immigration law, where accredited representatives can represent clients in proceedings before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Requirement

To qualify for accreditation, the non-attorney representative must be employed by a recognized organization and demonstrate adequate knowledge and experience in immigration law. The organization must ensure ongoing training and supervision of accredited representatives. The accreditation request must justify the need for such representatives and outline their intended roles and responsibilities.

How to Draft

Drafting a Request for Accreditation involves:

• Organization Details: Provide comprehensive information about the organization, including its mission, history, and services offered.
• Candidate Information: Include detailed information about the non-attorney representative, such as their qualifications, immigration law experience, and training received.
• Justification for Accreditation: Explain the need for accreditation, detailing how it will benefit the organization and its clients.
• Supervision Plan: Outline the plan for supervision and ongoing training of the non-attorney representative.
• Compliance Assurance: Assure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards governing non-attorney representatives.

Filing

The completed request should be filed with the appropriate body, such as the EOIR’s Office of Legal Access Programs. Ensure that all necessary documentation and endorsements are included. It’s also advisable to keep a copy of the request and any correspondence for the organization’s records.

Conclusion

Requesting accreditation for a non-attorney representative is a significant step for organizations in expanding their legal service offerings. It allows for a broader range of assistance to individuals in need, particularly in complex areas like immigration law. Careful preparation and thoroughness in the application process are key to successfully obtaining accreditation.