When Tracy Smith rejoined Rivas & Associates in 2023, the former teacher had a hunch that the teaching skills she acquired during her 14 years in the classroom would be implemented in some capacity at the nationally known immigration law firm.
Turns out, Smith’s intuition was correct. Smith, who previously served the firm as a Consultation Attorney, took on her new role as Rivas & Associates Education Program Manager for the firm in June.
Although in its infancy, the Rivas & Associates Education Program is the brainchild of Rivas & Associates CEO Lorena Rivas who got the idea for such a program during a recent trip to Mexico to visit family and prospective clients. The well-known attorney was able to reflect and think of other insightful ways she could further help clients achieve their version of the “American Dream.”
“I think Lorena really did a lot of brainstorming during her trip to Mexico,” Tracy Smith said. “She wants the firm to be a more holistic law firm that truly serves her clients and does more than just get them status. Launching the Education Program is just another example of Lorena’s extraordinary vision for where she wants the firm to go.”
What Will Programs Like the Rivas & Associates Education Program Feature?
Smith stated that while the Rivas & Associates Education Program is still in its developmental stages, she would help prepare clients for tasks like the Naturalization and Civics Test.
Smith’s ideas include potentially holding a 10-week prep course that would meet once per week or a more intensive 5-week prep course that would meet twice a week.
The Naturalization and Civics Test became a hot-button issue for many when former President Donald Trump modified the test by making it far more challenging for candidates to pass.
Current President Joe Biden quickly reinstated the 2008 version of the test after taking office in 2021. Although the 2008 version is shorter than the 2020 version, it is still challenging.
“It is no walk in the park,” Tracy Smith said. “You not only must pass a civics test about American government and history, but you must also pass an English proficiency test in which you must demonstrate an understanding of the English language including the ability to read, write and speak basic English. With the proper training, I am sure our clients would be successful.”
Smith also stated how the position of Education Program Manager was “ideal” for her because of her teaching background and that the firm would like to “offer employment assistance and credential evaluation down the line. Eventually, we would like for this to become the Education and Employment Department.”
The new program falls in direct line with other innovative programs Rivas & Associates has implemented into its arsenal since the New Year – one of which includes the Client Advocacy Department.
Directed by Linda Allegro, the Client Advocacy Department (CAD) seeks to help clients navigate day-to-day challenges they might encounter like setting up an email account or enrolling their child in school.
“We want to be able to provide wraparound services for clients so that they are able to be successful and thrive in their new communities,” Tracy Smith said. “Our program will focus more on education. For instance, we would also like to add an ESL (English as a Second Language) prep course.”