Legal Career Journey: Insights from a Former Judge Turned Lawyer

A recent article published by the Harvard Law School highlights a conversation between Rebecca Jamil, a former immigration judge and current immigration lawyer, and David B. Wilkins, the faculty director of the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession, about her diverse experiences within the immigration legal process.

Jamil’s career trajectory began as a paralegal at a business immigration firm after graduating from Stanford. She was drawn to immigration law due to its blend of personal narratives with evolving legal frameworks. Over time, she transitioned to law school, interned at the Ninth Circuit, and eventually joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an attorney.

Her move to ICE provided her with valuable trial experience, particularly in immigration law, but she desired more courtroom exposure. Subsequently, she became an immigration judge, driven by her admiration for the diverse approaches of judges she encountered as a lawyer.

However, her tenure as a judge coincided with significant policy shifts, including the controversial family separation policy. Jamil found it increasingly challenging to reconcile her role within a system enforcing policies she viewed as human rights violations. Ultimately, she resigned.

Post-resignation, Jamil returned to private practice, focusing on writing appeals and motions for removal proceedings. Her career journey underscores the unpredictability of career paths and the importance of seizing opportunities, such as internships and informational interviews, to gain insight and experience in immigration law.

In offering advice to aspiring immigration lawyers, Jamil emphasizes the value of clinical experience, internships, and mentorship. Her story highlights the intersection of personal passion, professional fulfillment, and navigating ethical dilemmas within the complex landscape of immigration law.