A number of solicitors who work in asylum and immigration law have formed the Irish Immigration Lawyers Association (IILA). 

The IILA has been founded in order to promote and improve advice and representation in the areas of immigration and asylum law, by providing regular training and an online forum for members, and by liaising with other bodies in a representative capacity. 

The association will be launched virtually on 23 July at 2 pm, and the event will be addressed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Judge Tara Burns, the current High Court judge in charge of the asylum and immigration list, has also prepared a video address.

Concerns

IILA will present common practitioner concerns, in a united manner, in this rapidly-growing practice area.

Membership of the IILA will also strengthen professional relationships.

The sector has faced challenges in recent years, including a practice direction which was applicable to judicial review applications in the areas of asylum and immigration.

As well as a helpful knowledge forum, IILA will:

• Run regular CPD events,
• Have an online forum for the purpose of sharing and exchanging knowledge, experience and research,
• Liaise with relevant Government departments, the Courts Service, Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the Immigration, Asylum and Citizenship Bar Association in relation to issues of practice and procedure or proposed legislative changes. 

The 23 July launch will be followed by IILA’as first online continuing professional development webinar giving one hour of general CPD under the Law Society scheme.

Practising certificate

Solicitors who hold a current practising certificate, or are exempt due to full-time employment in the service of the State, are eligible for full membership, and are invited to sign up now at www.iila.ie.

Register an application by signing up on the “members/join up” tab. An email will complete the sign-up process. 

The annual full membership fee is €50 for qualified solicitors.

The staff of members will be invited to join as associate members, once sponsored by a full member. The annual associate membership fee is €20.

The IILA is a non-profit and all proceeds will go towards the IILA objectives.