Michael Shamoon '19
What's it like working as an immigration lawyer at the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic?
I graduated from Boyd last year and started my fellowship at the UNLV Immigration Clinic last November. So, in a way, I'm still technically in law school even though I'm an attorney now. As head of the University Legal Services program, my duties involve conducting campus and community outreach and providing legal representation to UNLV and CSN students, staff, and their family members. I enjoy working at the Clinic, but being an immigration lawyer has its ups and downs. As an attorney, it's my job to fight for my clients' right to remain in the United States. For most immigrants, however, the pathway to citizenship is marred with obstacles and impediments. The system is stacked heavily against them, and we don't always win. The law is constantly changing and becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Confronting the harsh reality of our immigration system takes its toll, but we keep fighting. We fight, and sometimes, we win. I’ve had some victories recently, and that is what keeps me going during these turbulent times. I am grateful to be in a position that allows me to help people in the community in whatever way I can.
How has social distancing changed the way you practice law?
Living in a post-Covid world, we have all had to make changes. At the Immigration Clinic, my practice has become almost entirely remote. Thanks to the magic of Zoom, I am able to conduct legal consultations and perform most services for clients without ever having to meet with them in person. Some of the solutions that we've implemented have proven to be so efficient that we plan to continue using them even after things return to normal—if such a day ever comes.
What is a little-known fact about you?
During the pandemic, I have developed an obsession with playing Jeopardy online. My repository of random knowledge has proven so useful that I’d have enough winnings to retire now at the ripe old age of 26 were I playing for real money. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll end up on the actual show.