Advancing the justice mission of the Recognition and Accreditation Program through robust training and mentorship

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, is pleased to announce this pilot project, the Capacity Building Mentorship Initiative (CBMI), for individuals in Wisconsin who want to qualify and apply for Department of Justice (DOJ) partial accreditation to represent clients before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CBMI will provide participants with access to training and mentorship opportunities so that aspiring DOJ accredited representatives can gain the hands-on experience necessary to successfully achieve partial accreditation. CLINIC faculty will provide access to mentors, training, and assistance with preparing the application for partial accreditation as well as DOJ recognition for new agencies.

If interested in this opportunity, please:

• Watch the informational webinar (recorded on May 2, 2023) if you did not join live. We recommend watching it before submitting your application.
• Spaces are limited, so we urge you to submit your application no later than Tuesday, May 16.
• For more information, please contact Silvana Arista at sarista@cliniclegal.org.

Applicants will receive notification of their selection status by May 26. If you are selected for this training, your organization must submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing the parties’ responsibilities.

To review a sample Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), please click here.

Prior to enrolling in CBMI, participants must fulfill these requirements:

• If you have not successfully completed CLINIC’s Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law (COIL) within the last two years, please register for the next COIL (starting June 5, 2023). If you have successfully completed COIL in the last two years, please register for a multi-week webinar series or two one-time webinars.
• If applicable, provide a list of substantive immigration law trainings previously taken.
• Agree to the terms of the MOU, which include making a commitment to complete all project requirements, including applying for DOJ partial accreditation and a commitment of the agency to provide sufficient time for the applicant to complete the work and requisite mentorship hours.