Removal Defense Fundamentals

Removal Defense Fundamentals is a live Lunch and Learn series designed specifically for private practice immigration attorneys who want to master the practical courtroom skills that textbooks don't teach.

This is insider knowledge taught by someone who has sat on both sides of the bench — Tamaira Rivera, former Immigration Judge and ICE Attorney with 30 years of legal experience. This is battlefield intelligence from someone prosecuted bond hearings as an ICE attorney, and trained hundreds of attorneys to win cases they thought were impossible.

Now she's showing you the playbook. Get on the waitlist for the next Lunch and Learn series.

Elevate Your Court Presentation with Insider Knowledge and Practical Skills

Step into immigration court with confidence. Stop feeling intimidated or unprepared. Removal Proceedings Orientation is the live, cohort-based training program designed specifically for private practice immigration attorneys who want to master the practical skills that make courtroom advocacy second nature.

Your clients' freedom depends on what you do next. Get on the waitlist for the next Lunch and Learn series.

Tamaira Rivera, Esq.

Meet Your Instructor

Tamaira Rivera is the founder of Immigration Court Mentor, LLC. She brings three decades of extensive litigation experience. She has held notable positions including Unit Chief Immigration Judge at the Richmond Immigration Adjudication Center, Assistant Chief Counsel for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Antonio, Texas, and Orlando, Florida, alongside roles as an immigration solo practitioner and military prosecutor.

Tamaira identified a need for personalized coaching in trial advocacy for immigration attorneys. With her wealth of experience and profound understanding of immigration court dynamics, Tamaira offers invaluable guidance and support to fellow legal professionals navigating the complexities of immigration proceedings.

Tamaira holds degrees from Florida State University (BS), California Western School of Law (JD), and The George Washington University Law School (LL.M). She is licensed in Florida and Washington DC and actively participates in the Central Florida AILA and is in the Board of Directors for the Orlando Center for Justice. Additionally, Tamaira proudly served in the United States Air Force.

What Attorneys Say About Us

Giselle M. Rodriguez

Law Office

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I am just so appreciative of Tamaira. From the moment we started our meeting, Tamaira made me feel comfortable and at ease. It's not often you come across a fellow legal professional who can make complex topics accessible and unintimidating. Throughout our meeting, which was focused on a bond hearing I joined with another colleague also seeking Tamaira's expertise, I never once felt hesitant to ask questions. Tamaira has this incredible ability to ensure you never feel like any question is too trivial or "stupid" to ask. Her approachability and willingness to share her knowledge made the experience beyond what words can describe. She walked us through the process step by step, iand gave us valuable insights and "gems" of knowledge that are hard to come by. Having met with Tamaira has even inspired me to consider adding bond hearings as a service at my firm. Whether you're a colleague seeking to expand your service offerings or a client in need of guidance, I cannot recommend Tamaira enough. I will continue to use her services and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from her. Thank you, Tamaira, for being such an outstanding mentor in the legal community!!

BLG

Legal Services

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Tamaira has been an invaluable assistance to my legal practice, providing exceptional mentorship and guidance in navigating complex immigration court proceedings. Tamaira's deep understanding of immigration law, coupled with her extensive experience in the field, makes her an ideal mentor for anyone seeking to excel in the immigration court proceedings. Her insights, advice, and support have played a significant role in achieving successful outcomes for my clients. I highly recommend Tamaira to anyone wishing to master their immigration law practice skills.

Aridssa N. Martinez

Owner/Managing Attorney at ANM Law Office

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I had several mentoring sessions with retired judge Barr in preparation of my first individual hearing and I have to say these sessions were extremely helpful. We did a simulation of what to expect at the merits hearing and by the time I had my first individual hearing, I was not as nervous. Judge Barr was also very flexible with his schedule and understanding when something came up last minute that made me have to reschedule our sessions. If you’re new to removal defense, I fully recommend Tamaira’s immigration court mentor program as part of your training/preparation.

Barbara Perez

Law Office

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Tamaira has been a mentor of mine since I first opened my law firm. She is not only experienced and is able to provide valuable advice but she is also caring and encouraging. If you are new to practicing removal proceedings, her mentorship program is the perfect solution. She will help with not only the procedural aspect of it but the sustantive part of it as well.
Thanks to her invaluable assistance, our merits hearing unfolded seamlessly, leaving both my client and me immensely pleased and grateful.

Reyadh Nagi

Owner and CEO at Law Office of Reyadh Nagi

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I highly recommend taking the Immigration Court Mentor courses if you are new to removal cases or bonds. Tamaira has all the experience and will guide you through it all. You will clear any doubts and fears by learning all the skills you needed to be in court. Tamaira even stayed beyond the session time and tried to make sure I got all my questions answered. I am grateful and look forward to continue to connect with them in the future for more guidance.

Ayesha Chidolue

Esq.

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100% recommend Tamaira's court mentor program. She is incredibly knowledgeable and really helps you gain an understanding and confidence to take on removal cases. Additionally, she is always willing and eager to help you brainstorm through complex cases and come up with suggestions on how to assist clients facing deportation.

Ilia Lopez

Esq.

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Tamaira is amazing! Extremely professional, knowledgeable and able to provide the best mentorship based on her extensive experience. Thank you Tamaira for helping my office to navigate and learn about the complexity of immigration court. Highly recommended!

Jimmy Lai

Esq., MBA

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Immigration Court Mentor were really helpful in providing the trainings to get us ready to represent clients diligently. Highly recommend.

Gus Maclao

Esq.

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Tamaira is the real deal! Her knowledge and experience as a former immigration judge has been an incredible asset for our firm. Our sessions are extremely beneficial. We spend a majority of our time strategizing and preparing arguments for difficult cases and even conduct mock hearings to be best prepared for the most difficult fact patterns. Through her guidance we've been best prepared and had successful outcomes in even the most difficult cases. The amount of resources for attorney mentorship is limited and Tamaira makes her time with you worth every second. Whether you are a new attorney wanting to learn immigration or a seasoned attorney wanting to discuss case strategy, Tamaira has you covered. I'm happy to have Tamaira as a resource and recommend her services. Will definitely use again!

Stop Feeling Unprepared

Every day you walk into immigration court without this training is another day you're learning the hard way — through stress, mistakes, and missed opportunities.

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

You deserve to feel that confidence.

Limited spots available for this cohort.