Coach Will - Consultations and Strategic Advice to Canadian Immigration Law Practitioners

Looking at my practice (and life), one of my greatest joys is helping in the problem solving process. While I love solving problems for applicants, sponsors, and those at the heart of the immigration process, I realize that by helping practitioners and businesses, I can do more good via the osmosis and institutional change that can bring about.

Coaching is the practice of helping an individual realize their ambitions in their practice, craft, or art. While usually business coaches are not subject matter experts, in my case I decided to coach only in what I know – the practice of immigration and refugee law. Just like in professional sports, where an athlete needs someone to critique their practice, review their line of work, and make recommendations – I do the same. Other times coaches are just needed to be an empathetic ear during a stressful time, or project manage/consult on a solution. I do that too.

My consulting practice is about moving beyond just the practice of law to the greater area of immigration and change-making. Businesses (such as post-secondary institutions and companies that hire foreign workers) need consultants to make sure the systems work and that risks are mitigated. I do that also. Still others might need help creating a marketing project that has key immigration elements, or helping get an ear with the media or Government. I can provide this strategic advice.

As this a new line of work, I thought I’d present some scenarios where you might want to seek coaching or consulting. Note, these are just some examples. Shoot me an email at info@heronlaw.ca and we can chat more about other areas and see if they work for my practice:

Scenario 1: You are a new practitioner.

Immigration can be isolating work. It can often be you, and the client, at your small and modest shop. Listserves overwhelm you with too much information. Immigration websites appear to tell one thing, but your clients (or the results of your cases) are telling another.

Scenario 2: You are a business/institution looking to conduct an immigration audit.

Our newest line of business, coaching and consulting, aims to assist you in your immigration-related ambitions, whether it be building a more compliant business, navigating the murky waters of your most difficult cases, trying to expand into new areas, or simply trying to get licensed.

Scenario 3: You are going through a difficult time professionally and need some advice on your practice (or a file). You might have a conflict of interest, but non-immigration advisors “don’t get it.”

I work with lawyers and RCICs to strategize on your file. I represent you (not your client) so I can guide you as to steps you should take. If there’s a possible complaint, I can work with other counsel to ensure you are represented. If you have made a mistake, I can give you some idea on best ways to remedy it. Practice, rest assured, knowing someone has your back.

Scenario 4: You have an amazing idea and pitch for a line of immigration business, but need some input from someone who has been there and done that.

You want to create a new immigration line of business but cannot seem to find the right channels – be it through social media, through writing, through journalism, through advocacy to have someone hear you out. I will not only listen but strategize around how you should get your message out to develop your client base and get to the decision-makers who need to know what you have to say. If it is a bad idea, I’ll tell you right away so you don’t waste your opportunity cost.

Scenario 5: You are a student at a Post-Graduate Immigration Diploma Program who just cannot seem to get a concept/pass an exam

I have taught or lectured on quite possibly every single topic in Canadian immigration. Having taught at both Ashton College and for UBC, I know how exam questions are generated, concepts are taught, courses are passed. As these programs become harder, you need a tutor who can explain to you the concepts but also let you know what matters and what doesn’t matter with an eye to your future practice.

Scenario 6: You are a policymaker or leader that needs policy advice on Canadian Immigration Law and Policy.

Whether you lead an organization that specializes in helping newcomer communities or you are a First Nations band needing input on how immigration policies affect your community, accurate, data-driven information is often lost in the rhetoric. Immigration is innately political, but what you need is balance. Utilizing the templates that Assistant Deputy Ministers brief the Minister on, I will help you carve out speaking points, your political position, or build advocacy strategies for migrant communities.