Think Immigration: Build Community Close to Home by Engaging with Your Local AILA Chapter

Most of us think about AILA through national events—the Annual Conference is a major highlight. But most of our time is spent at home in the day-to-day work of lawyering, running our practices, and helping clients. That’s where local AILA chapters matter most. They help us meet colleagues, share information, and build real friendships that make our work easier. Below are simple, effective ways chapters around the country are bringing members together, plus ideas you can use in your own area.

Why Local Engagement Matters

Local chapter events keep people connected between big conferences. New attorneys find mentors, solos feel less alone, and everyone benefits from having a reliable group to lean on and bounce ideas off of. Regular, nearby gatherings also reduce stress: you can talk through challenges, learn what’s working for others, and step away from the grind for a few hours.

Putting It in Practice: Examples from Chapters Around the Country

New York Chapter (Roman Zelichenko): Parties, post-conference socials, and courthouse happy hours

In November 2025, the NY Chapter hosted a fall party at a New York pizza restaurant—food, drinks, music, and a chance to relax together. In December, the chapter held a holiday party right after the chapter conference, with a sponsor, photo booth, and raffle. Members also organized an informal happy hour near 26 Federal Plaza so attorneys could stop by after court. For 2026, the team is exploring theater outings and warm-weather sports activities. Takeaway: anchor a few bigger events to your chapter calendar, and add simple, convenient meetups near common work locations.

Texas Chapter, AILA Austin Section (Whitney Wootton): Consistent, rotating, and open to non-members

Austin runs a come-and-go happy hour on the fourth Wednesday of each month. They rotate locations to reach more members, including those in the suburbs. They also partner with the Austin Bar Association’s Civil Rights and Immigration Section, which boosts attendance. Non-member colleagues are welcome, allowing them to see the value of AILA firsthand. They mix in seasonal events such as holiday parties, occasional brunches, and even a “rage room.” Takeaway: make it consistent, move it around the city, and welcome guests. You don’t need a formal committee to gather people when there’s a clear need.

Carolinas Chapter (Elizabeth Wood): Standing monthly lunches with no RSVP

Across North and South Carolina, the chapter holds monthly lunches on a set date, time, and location. No sign-up is required: if you’re free, you show up. The predictable format keeps planning simple and lowers the barrier to attending. Takeaway: remove friction. A standing lunch is easy to run and easy to join.

What Successful Local Events Have in Common

• Consistency: recurring dates help people plan.
• Accessibility: rotating neighborhoods and venues improves turnout.
• Low friction: minimal or no RSVP keeps it simple.
• Partnerships: co-hosting with bar sections or clinics brings in new faces.
• Mix of formats: blend official chapter events with informal member-organized meetups.

Easy Event Ideas You Can Launch Quickly

• Culture and food: theater night, museum late hours, neighborhood food tour, or a regular “first Thursday” dinner.
• Wellness and outdoors: pre-work walks or runs, yoga in the park, or a weekend hike.
• Practice tips: short “show and tell” on useful tech tools, AI workflows, or compliance checklists.
• Community partners: co-host with a law school clinic or local bar section to broaden participation.
• Family-friendly: picnic, minor-league game, or kid-friendly museum day.
• Micro-mentorship: speed networking by practice area or experience level with a shared tip sheet.

A Simple Ask to Close

If you’re not active with your local chapter yet, try one event this month. You don’t need to be on a committee to suggest or host something—good ideas are welcome, and a little initiative goes a long way. If you enjoy organizing, consider joining your chapter’s social chair team (or whatever it is called in your neck of the woods) next year. Local chapters turn AILA membership into real connections—networking that leads to referrals, and friendships that make the work more sustainable.