Our Culture
AILA's national office is committed to establishing a workplace where staff can thrive. We encourage interaction with our members and seek to provide the highest level of service and expertise in support of AILA's mission. We encourage every firm, no matter the size, to establish a core set of values you will follow.
Mission Statement
The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Culture Statement
Our values are the behaviors and beliefs we will abide by as we advance and fight diligently for our mission. They help us break the tie when we are at a fork in the road. Values are what we care about and what we pay attention to in our day-to-day interactions. Values are aspirational and kinetic and are an important part of building culture.
Every member of the AILA team brings to the table their own enthusiasm for our mission, along with the professionalism, integrity and flexibility to turn their passion into tangible results. Fostering candid communication and respect, we create a comfortable and productive work environment in which a demonstrated commitment to excellence is recognized and rewarded.
One Team, One Mission, One America
Strive for Excellence- Striving to exceed expectations. We provide the highest level of service to our members and each other as we strive for excellence in everything we do. Our work is accurate, innovative and effective. We believe that hard work and dedication are essential to our team's success and to achieving our mission.
Build Collaboration- AILA's staff is comprised of highly diversified teams with a shared purpose working together to move the organization forward by understanding how individual actions support AILA goals.
To reach the highest level of success, we acknowledge that our work will be accomplished more efficiently by working in collaboration with others. We demonstrate this internally by removing barriers, encouraging open communication, and promoting innovation in all work areas.
Lead with Respect- AILA is a safe place where staff are valued, recognized, treated fairly and have clear expectations on how to be successful at work.
We expect honesty and candor in all we do. We maintain a transparent operation and hold ourselves accountable to stakeholders and the spirit, intent and promise of our mission. We maintain a respectful work environment that values individuality and fosters openness and sincerity.
Maintain an Inclusive and Equitable Working Environment- AILA fosters a culture where staff are eager to participate in the mission and everyone has an equal opportunity for advancement and expression.
We believe that the practice of appreciating and celebrating diversity strengthens the AILA staff and community and is vital to the organization's vision and mission.
We promote diversity and inclusion in our programs and seek full participation from individuals of every ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, economic status, disability or political affiliation.
Respect for the Individual- AILA staff can expect a work environment that values the intersection and integration of their personal and professional life. We believe this respect heightens workplace morale and increases individual and team productivity.
By providing flexibility while expecting responsibility and accountability, we can bring out the best in everyone and lean into our mission and values.