Case Rounds: Notes from 5/27/25

Introduction

Virtual Meeting Overview for Tuesday May 27, 2025

• Weekly meetings support legal and advocacy collaboration.

• Hour 1: Legal professionals speak freely using legal terminology.

• Hour 2: Conversation slows down for accessibility, especially for lay advocates.

• Confidential, judgment-free practice exchange — but no client-specific or identifying information.

AI Note-Taking and Information Sharing

• AI-assisted note-taking (via Microsoft Copilot) is used to synthesize anonymized key takeaways.

• Notes are securely stored and focus on practice trends and systemic insights.

• Goal: Reduce repetitive questions and increase access to shared knowledge for those unable to attend.

Key Updates & Announcements

1. Ethics CLE with Michael Kennedy

• VAAP is planning to host a refresher CLE session with Michael Kennedy, Vermont Bar Counsel.

• The session will address ethical challenges in immigration practice and provide a forum to raise concerns about unethical conduct by government attorneys.

• Proposed format: during a regular Tuesday case round, recorded and shared with the broader practice community.

• Action: Lila and Jill will reach out to Michael Kennedy to coordinate scheduling.

2. Interpreter & Client Meeting Support

• VAAP can provide Burlington-based meeting space for attorney-client meetings.

• VAAP working to coordinate pro bono mentors who can help triage common practice challenges like securing meeting space in communities and securing interpreter services.

3. VAAP Integration for Pro Bono Attorneys

• VAAP offers Microsoft accounts and workspace integration for pro bono attorneys seeking deeper involvement.

• This model supports real-time collaboration and access to internal resources.

• Action: Interested attorneys can contact Jill to explore this opportunity.

Legal Practice Highlights

1. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel & Lozada Claims

• Someone raised a case involving a missed one-year asylum filing deadline due to attorney inaction.

• Discussion covered the need for a bar complaint, proof of attorney-client relationship, and notice to the prior attorney to invoke excuse to OYFD per Matter of Lozada (BIA).

2. Detention & Supervision Concerns

• An asylum support org shared updates on a client detained at an ICE check-in and others facing upcoming supervision.

• Jill emphasized the importance of understanding ICE detention risks and preparing clients accordingly.

• VAAP is developing a bond practice program and community accompaniment training.

• Action: Community partners are encouraged to review VAAP’s detention resources and prepare clients proactively.

3. Retainers & Limited Representation

• Discussed best practices for maintaining fresh retainers in limited rep asylum cases and transitioning clients to full representation.

• VAAP is working on digitizing retainer and release forms for easier access and tracking.

• Action: Volunteers should ensure clear documentation of representation scope and transitions.

Community Advocacy & Preparedness

1. Family Preparedness & Guardianship

• Ongoing discussion about springing guardianships and family preparedness planning per H.98, signed into Vermont law last week.

• VAAP and partners are monitoring judicial responses and advocating for consistent recognition of these tools.

• Action: Community groups should continue supporting families with informal preparedness plans and revisit guardianship conversations as needed.

• Action: VAAP summer legal fellow asked to create education materials in English and Spanish for potential guardians since there are no lawyers to represent them.

2. Media & Advocacy Strategy

• Asylum support group is planning a rally for a detained client. VAAP emphasized the importance of coordinating with attorneys of record and obtaining informed client consent before public advocacy.

• Jill offered to create a blog post and press kit template for community groups.

• Action: Community partners should consult with legal counsel before launching public campaigns.

Wins & Good News

• Kristen shared a record-fast marriage-based green card case and recent asylum grants.

• Cam celebrated her first successful bond hearing win in Texas—congratulations, Cam!

• Multiple work permits were approved, and community members continue to move forward in their cases.

Action Steps & Resources

• For Attorneys & Advocates:

  • Review VAAP’s bond resources.

  • Use the EOIR hotline to track asylum clocks.

  • Submit I-765s with affidavits and mailing receipts if stamped I-589s are unavailable.

• For Community Partners:

  • Direct simple legal questions to VAAP’s website or Tuesday case rounds.

  • Encourage clients to prepare for ICE check-ins and understand their rights.

  • Coordinate with attorneys before engaging in public advocacy.