Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS): The Ultimate Study Guide
The Immigration and Asylum Accreditation scheme was introduced by the Law Society in 2005 to ensure that immigration advisers meet high standards of knowledge and competence. Obtaining accreditation demonstrates to clients, employers and the wider community that an adviser has the expertise to provide immigration and asylum legal advice and services at the highest level.
With the UK’s departure from the EU and the introduction of a new points-based immigration system, accredited expertise in immigration and asylum law has become more important than ever for firms and individual solicitors practicing in this complex area. Accreditation enables firms to take on immigration and asylum work and assures clients that their adviser is qualified to provide immigration advice and services.
There are three levels of accreditation suited to practitioners at different career stages:
Trainee Casework Assistant – Can conduct delegated tasks for up to 9 months under supervision of a Senior Caseworker. Cannot have conduct of full cases.
Casework Assistant – Can handle delegated tasks for up to 1 year under supervision. Also, cannot have conduct of full cases.
Senior Caseworker – Can have full conduct of cases and matters. Can delegate tasks to Assistants but remains responsible for overall case progress and conduct. Required for legal aid work.
The Senior Caseworker role is key for independent practice. Thorough preparation is vital for the accreditation exams.
Preparing for the Exams
The accreditation exams test knowledge across the full spectrum of immigration and asylum law. This includes everything from procedures, appeals, human rights law and practice standards. Thorough preparation is key to success.
Here are some tips for getting ready for the exams:
- Allow plenty of study time – It’s recommended to spend at least 1-2 hour per day for at least 4 days a week preparing for each exam. Create a structured study plan and stick to it.
- Read the syllabus carefully – Be very familiar with all the topic areas covered. Note areas of weakness to focus on.
- Use recommended study resources – Obtain the core texts and materials suggested by the Law Society. These will provide the base knowledge needed.
- Practice answering past exam questions – The Law Society publishes some past exams and sample questions. Practicing responses will hone exam technique.
- Attend exam training – Many organizations and tutors offer specialized accreditation exam training courses. This can help focus studies and boost confidence.
- Study ethical rules and principles – Know the SRA Code of Conduct and principles of good practice for immigration cases.
- Review real case studies – Reading cases and case studies illuminate how principles are applied in practice.
- Join a study group – Working with peers to review materials and discuss complex issues can be very beneficial.
Diligent preparation using recommended resources, past exams, courses, and peer support will provide the knowledge needed to achieve Senior Caseworker status. This investment will open doors in this dynamic and complex area of law.
HJT’s IAAS exam training course is designed to prepare candidates for the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme Casework Assistant and Senior Caseworker exams. This live online course covers key topics like legal aid, asylum, human rights, trafficking, detention, remedies, ethics, deportation, and domestic abuse. HJT’s experienced immigration law trainers provide materials, practical exam tips, sample questions, and feedback on practice exams.
Delegates successfully passing their IAAS exams have found HJT’s structured approach instrumental in achieving accreditation success.
Our next training for the IAAS Casework Assistant & Senior Caseworker is scheduled for Wednesday 13 March 2024, 10 am to 5pm. Conducted via zoom, attending delegates are able to join the course from the convenience of their location, whilst also covering their CPD.
For more information or to book, please visit our course link here
For enquiries on our IAAS course, please contact us at enquiries@hjt-training.co.uk or call us on 075441 64692.
