Monday, 30 March 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is based on QLD legislation
Immigration Law Compliance for All Lawyers
- Overview of the Migration Strategy and Reform agenda: the year that was and where we are headed in 2026 and beyond
- Intersection of immigration status/ immigration law with other areas of legal practice – why you should be aware
- Employer and corporate compliance issues – through the migration law lens
- Hiring compliance: verifying work authorization, avoiding discriminatory practices
- Risks for employers who inadvertently employ unauthorised workers; due-diligence steps
- Immigration considerations in corporate transactions (mergers affecting employer-specific work permits)
- Mobility for key personnel: how to flag when specialised immigration counsel is needed
- Advising vulnerable or precarious clients ethically and effectively
- Trauma-informed practice and best communication practices with Newcomers: identifying when someone is unlawful and the risks of giving informal immigration advice as a non-immigration lawyer.
- Privacy and confidentiality where immigration enforcement risk exists
- Referral protocols and coordinating with immigration counsel to avoid prejudicing the client’s situation
Presented by Aishwarya Somal, Director, Emerson Migration Law
Presenters
Aishwarya Somal, Director, Emerson Migration Law
Aishwarya Somal is a multi award-winning Australian immigration lawyer and Director of Emerson Migration Law, recognised for her strategic expertise across corporate mobility, complex migration pathways, and humanitarian protection matters. Recognised in the Doyle's Guide Leading Immigration Lawyer Queensland as a Leading Immigration Lawyer, Queensland (2024), Aishwarya advises ASX-listed corporations, global entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals on sophisticated migration and workforce compliance strategies. Her practice spans sectors including health and aged care, energy, mining, hospitality, and technology, where she partners with executives and HR leaders to deliver commercially aligned, risk-managed global mobility solutions. In parallel, Aishwarya leads high-stakes humanitarian and family visa matters, securing protection outcomes and family reunification in cases involving conflict, displacement, and complex legal thresholds. Her work is grounded in rigorous statutory interpretation and compliance with international human rights principles, combined with deeply empathetic client advocacy. Her leadership has been recognised nationally and internationally, including Immigration Law Firm of the Year (Australia) by Global Law Experts Annual Awards (2022, 2023) and the Lord Mayor of Brisbane Nick Xynias Young Businessperson of the Year Award 2020. She also serves as an Ambassador to the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust, reflecting her commitment to leadership beyond legal practice. Aishwarya brings to Legalwise audiences a rare combination of commercial acumen, litigation experience, and policy insight — offering practical, strategically grounded perspectives on navigating Australia’s evolving migration framework.
