Step into Individual Hearings with confidence.

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



This live online cohort runs on Tuesdays & Thursdays from November 3 - 19, 2026 at 2pm Eastern / 1pm Central / 12 pm Mountain / 11am Pacific

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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 Practice and Advocacy in Individual Hearings cohort.

The Trial Practice and Advocacy Playbook: From Preparation to Performance

This 3-week live group cohort is presented online and 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 3 Weeks

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Day 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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    Day 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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    Day 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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    Day 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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    Day 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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    Day 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 3-week live group cohort is online and begins November 3, 2026, at 2pm Eastern/ 1pm Central/ 12pm Mountain/ 11am Pacific, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday until November 19, 2026 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

    What Attorneys Say About This Course

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    I. Ramirez

    I am a solo attorney practicing in Los Angeles, and as an immigrant myself, I have found my passion in helping others. I knew that in order to better serve my clients, I needed to develop the skills required to effectively represent vulnerable individuals before an Immigration Judge. I enrolled in Court Mentor, and Shelly S. was extraordinarily knowledgeable and incredibly patient throughout the course. The training was practical, engaging, and truly focused on real-world advocacy. I highly recommend this course to any attorney who wants to competently represent immigrants in immigration court. It is 100% worth every cent.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Adam B.

    This is a great course for someone wanting extra exposure to the complex world of immigration court practice. The lecture and materials are a great way to boost your knowledge on how judges view your case in immigration court and how to get your judge to yes on your case.

    LIMITED SPOTS - REGISTER NOW

    This 3-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 LIVE ONLINE COHORT RUNS NOVEMBER 3 - 19, 2026 (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
    2pm Eastern/ 1pm Central/12pm Mountain/11am Pacific

    $2,499

    ENROLL NOW

    Flexible payments: Klarna & AfterPay

    Law Firm Multiple Seats:
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    • 3 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.

    Secure your seat in the next cohort starting November 3, 2026.

    REGISTER NOW