Immigration policy has made headlines for decades. While people often discuss it in political or strategic terms, its impact reaches far beyond the news. In personal injury litigation, immigration status can affect whether an injured person seeks legal help at all. That reality makes the upcoming CLE, “Crossing Legal Borders: Immigration Issues in Personal Injury Litigation,” especially relevant.
The Johnson Law Firm’s owner and head attorney, Mickey Johnson, will host and moderate the CLE through the Texas Trial Lawyers Association’s Diversity Committee. The program will bring clarity to a complex and often overlooked intersection of the law.
Why Immigration Status Matters in Personal Injury Cases
When someone suffers an injury because of another party’s negligence, the law gives that person a path to seek compensation. Still, people with uncertain immigration status may face a less straightforward process. Those dealing with both the legal system and the immigration system often worry about:
- Detention or immigration enforcement;
- Fear of interacting with the legal system at all;
- Hesitation to disclose important information to attorneys;
- Uncertainty about how their immigration status affects their legal rights.
As a result, many people with valid claims never pursue them. Immigration status does not automatically prevent someone from filing a personal injury claim. Still, it can affect how attorneys prepare and handle the case.
The Overlap Between Civil and Immigration Law
Personal injury cases do not exist in a vacuum. Instead, they often intersect with broader legal issues. The overlap between civil and immigration law may involve access to justice and civil rights violations. These issues become especially important when a case involves language barriers, financial restraints or unlawful detention.
Immigration status may also become a contested issue during litigation. Because of that, attorneys must carefully develop evidence and prepare client testimony.
Understanding these overlaps remains critical. Lawyers must advocate for their clients while recognizing the risks those clients may face. This creates both legal and ethical concerns for attorneys.
What This CLE Will Cover
This CLE aims to give attorneys practical guidance for handling these challenges. Key areas of focus include:
- How immigration status may arise in civil litigation;
- Understanding the ethical considerations and human impact of representing vulnerable clients;
- Strategies for protecting client confidentiality;
- The important role trial lawyers play in ensuring access to justice and the broader impact of that work.
Panelists will include Daniel Hatoum of the Texas Civil Rights Project; Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law; Dicky Grigg of The Law Office of Dicky Grigg; and Claudia Galan of Galan Law Firm.
The CLE will take place on April 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To attend, RSVP at the link here: Crossing Legal Borders: Immigration Issues in Personal Injury Litigation.
Building a More Accessible Legal System
While this CLE focuses on legal professionals, its message remains clear. The legal system should serve people regardless of their background or immigration status.
This program reflects a larger commitment to making legal services more accessible. By educating attorneys and raising awareness, programs like this can help close the gap between legal rights and real access to representation.
How The Johnson Law Firm Can Help
At The Johnson Law Firm, we believe every client deserves clear guidance and strong advocacy. That belief is one reason our owner, Mickey Johnson, serves as Chair of the TTLA Diversity Committee. It also explains why the information covered in this CLE matters to our firm.
Don’t let uncertainty stop you from seeking justice. We’re here to help you understand your options. Contact The Johnson Law Firm to discuss your case.
Click for Mick, today. Your Case is Our Priority.
