At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we believe legal work goes beyond the courtroom—it also happens through learning, community involvement, and the everyday conversations that guide how we support those we serve. This belief has been at the heart of our latest partnership with Sacred Heart University, where we’ve had the privilege of working directly with undergraduate students through the university’s service-learning program in coordination with the Office of Community Engagement and the Department of Political Science.
Together, under the leadership of Founding and Lead Attorney James A. Welcome, Associate Attorney Marina Brakefield, and Director of Operations and Marketing Ahmed Malik, our team has guided Sacred Heart students through several hundred hours of meaningful, hands-on legal service. These students didn’t just observe our legal team—they contributed. In doing so, they joined our efforts to support immigrant communities and gained a better understanding of what it means to help others through legal work.
We were honored to be recognized as an official Community Partner by Sacred Heart University and recently joined fellow organizations at the Community Partner Celebration & Networking Event in Bridgeport. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with other Community Partners who are also dedicated to education, community service, and making a difference in Connecticut.
We value opportunities that connect education with real-world experience. Programs like this help bridge the gap between the classroom and legal practice. As Attorney James Welcome put it, “Partnerships like this one are essential. They give students the chance to see how the law works on the ground, while giving us fresh perspectives and energy from the next generation.”
You can find our firm listed as a recognized partner here:
Sacred Heart University Community Partners
What This Partnership Means—for Students, and for Us
One of the core projects students took part in was conducting country conditions research, which plays a critical role in many asylum and humanitarian applications. Our clients often come from regions affected by political persecution, gang violence, corruption, gender-based abuse, or social unrest. Students helped us document the conditions in countries like Ecuador, Venezuela, and Haiti—gathering reports from trusted sources and compiling information that could help support someone’s case for protection in the U.S.
This kind of research helps build the foundation for strong immigration cases. Understanding country conditions like political violence, corruption, or social instability is a key part of how attorneys support clients seeking protection in the U.S. The students took this work seriously and gained insight into how detailed research plays a role in the legal process. It showed them that immigration law isn’t just about policy—it’s about real people, real risks, and the importance of presenting accurate, well-supported information.
A few students also had the opportunity to take things a step further by shadowing Attorney Marina Brakefield and our immigration team. They saw how we interview clients, prepare filings, attend hearings, and manage complex cases. These shadowing sessions gave them a closer look at how lawyers operate behind the scenes.
But the learning didn’t only go one way. Our firm benefited from this collaboration, too. These students brought energy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. As immigration attorneys, it’s easy to get lost in the deadlines and documents. But working with students brought a fresh perspective.
Celebrating Growth in Bridgeport
We are especially proud that this collaboration launched alongside the opening of our new Bridgeport office at 277 Fairfield Avenue, expanding our presence in a city that remains vital to Connecticut’s immigrant and working-class communities.
Opening our Bridgeport location was an important step for our firm. It allows us to be closer to the people and communities we serve.
We view this partnership as an extension of our ongoing commitment to the Bridgeport community—not just through legal work, but by showing up as supportive neighbors and a resource for learning and growth.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Commitment
This is not a one-time project. We are committed to deepening our relationship with Sacred Heart University in the years ahead. Our goal is to keep offering students opportunities to explore immigration law firsthand—to learn by doing, and to understand the impact legal advocacy can have on individuals and families navigating a complex system.
At the same time, we’re committed to continuing our service to clients across Connecticut. With offices in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Norwalk, and Waterbury, we represent immigrants and injury victims in moments when they need both strength and support. And through collaborations like this, we make sure the next generation of legal professionals are ready to carry that work forward with knowledge, compassion, and clarity.
To the students who joined us this year: thank you. Your contributions mattered. You brought energy, insight, and dedication to our firm, and we are better for it.
To Sacred Heart University and its faculty: thank you for trusting us as educators and partners. We look forward to the semesters ahead and the students yet to come.
Get in Touch with Our Team
At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we remain committed to meaningful partnerships that reflect our values. Our collaboration with Sacred Heart University is a reflection of that commitment, and we are proud to support student learning through hands-on experience in real legal settings.
If you are a student, educator, or organization interested in learning more about our work, we welcome the opportunity to connect. Whether you’re exploring future educational partnerships or have questions about the immigration legal system, our team is available to provide guidance and support.
For inquiries about community engagement, student collaboration, or legal representation, please contact us at (203) 753-7300 or visit us online at www.welcomelawfirm.com. We look forward to continuing this important work and building relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and shared impact.