Step into Individual Hearings with confidence.

Stop feeling anxious, underprepared, or reactive. Trial Preparation and Advocacy in Individual Hearings is a live, cohort-based training program designed specifically for immigration court practitioners who want to master the skills that turn courtroom stress into strategic control.

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Sound familiar?

The truth is, Individual Hearings have their own rhythm, expectations, and pressures. Most attorneys learn how to handle them the hard way: through trial and error, anxiety, and sleepless nights. But if you're like most immigration attorneys, you've never received proper training on trial preparation.

Trying to wing it or reacting on the fly can leave you feeling exposed, undermine your confidence, and impact your client’s case.

There’s a better way.

Imagine Walking Into Court Feeling Completely Prepared.

Instead of the familiar knot in your stomach, you feel calm, focused, and in control. You have a clear trial roadmap in your mind — every stage of the hearing anticipated, every piece of evidence and witness testimony organized.

When the hearing begins, you respond strategically, pivot seamlessly when unexpected challenges arise, and handle the judge’s questions or interruptions with confidence.

Your client sees an attorney who is not only competent but authoritative, guiding their case with clarity and poise.


That's what's possible with the Trial Preparation and Advocacy in Individual Hearings cohort.

The Trial Practice and Advocacy Playbook: From Preparation to Performance

This 6-week live group cohort is designed specifically for immigration court practitioners who want to elevate their Individual Hearing performance and trial advocacy skills. You will learn how to prepare strategically, present cases persuasively, handle witnesses and evidence effectively, and navigate the unique dynamics of immigration court.

This isn’t theoretical.

This is practical, courtroom-tested guidance from someone who has seen both sides of the bench.

Now she's showing you the playbook.

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What You'll Master in 6 Weeks

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Week 1: Components of an Individual Hearing

Understand the structure and flow of Individual Hearings so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

  • Flow of the Individual Hearing
  • Roles & Responsibilities of the Participants
  • Respondent's Privacy Interests
  • Understanding the IJ's Oral Decision

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    Week 2: Presentation of the Case: Pretrial Preparation

    Learn how to build a comprehensive trial roadmap that ensures nothing is overlooked.

  • Building a Trial Notebook
  • Motions Practice
  • Drafting the Pre-hearing Brief

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    Week 3: Presentation of the Case: Evidence

    Master the effective use and presentation of exhibits to support your client’s story persuasively.

  • Applications for Relief
  • Building an Evidence Package
  • Country Conditions Evidence

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    Week 4: Presentation of the Case: Witnesses

    Gain confidence in preparing and examining witnesses to maximize credibility and impact.

  • Preparing the Respondent
  • Other Witnesses
  • Expert Witnesses

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    Week 5: Trial Advocacy

    Learn essential strategies for direct and cross examination, the use of objections, and making a persuasive closing argument.

  • Direct and Cross Examination
  • Objections
  • Closing Argument

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    Week 6: Unique Aspects of Immigration Court Practice

    Navigate the specific rules, judge expectations, and courtroom dynamics that make immigration court distinct.

  • Behind the Scenes of Immigration Court Operations
  • Burdens of Proof in Immigration Court
  • Understanding the Law of the Case
  • Judicial Complaints

    • Who This Training Is For


    Not for beginners. Participants should have prior court experience but want to go from reactive to strategic advocacy.

    This 6-week live group cohort begins February 10, 2026, at 5 PM Central, meeting every Tuesday at 5 PM Central for one hour. Recordings and materials will be available for six months after the course concludes.

    Attorneys who have handled Master Calendars but feel underprepared for Individual Hearings

    Practitioners who have done Individual Hearings but lack confidence in their trial strategy

    Experienced attorneys who want to level up their advocacy, courtroom presence, and trial skills

    REGISTER NOW

    LIMITED SPOTS - REGISTER NOW

    This 6-week live group cohort represents 28 years of legal experience and the rare, insider perspective of a former prosecutor, military judge, and U.S. Immigration Judge who presided over more than 4,000 hearings — distilled into a practical, immediately applicable training program.

    THIS 6-WEEK LIVE COHORT BEGINS FEBRUARY 10, 2026

    Limited Enrollment - Save 10%

    $2,200
    Regular Price $2,445

    ONE TIME PAYMENT 2 x MONTHLY PAYMENTS

    Choose from a one-time payment of $2,200 or two monthly payments of $1,100

    • 6 weeks of expert instruction and strategy
    • Live Q&A and real-time strategic discussion
    • Strategic Trial Roadmap development
    • Insider "From the Bench" perspective
    • Comprehensive resource library
    • 6 months of extended access
    • Elite training from a former Immigration Judge
    Shelly Schools

    Meet Your Instructor

    Shelly Schools brings 28 years of legal experience, including 22 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a prosecutor, defense counsel, appellate defense counsel, and military judge — including one year as Chief Trial Judge of the Air Force — followed by 6 years as a U.S. Immigration Judge presiding over more than 4,000 hearings.

    Throughout her career, she has trained and mentored trial practitioners in every aspect of trial preparation and courtroom advocacy, giving you a rare, insider perspective on what effective advocacy actually looks like from the bench.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Every session is recorded and available within your 6-month access period. However, live attendance is strongly encouraged.

    The course is fully cohort-based. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss strategy, and get real-time feedback.

    Absolutely. This course focuses on trial strategy, courtroom presence, witness prep, and advocacy skills — the “how” of winning hearings.

    Stop Feeling Underprepared

    Every day you face Individual Hearings without this training is another day you rely on trial and error, anxiety, and improvisation.

    Your clients deserve an attorney who shows up with confidence and competence.

    You deserve to feel that confidence.

    Limited spots available — secure your seat in the next cohort starting February 10, 2026.

    REGISTER NOW