The International Institute of New England Hires Rebecca LaPierre as Director of Immigration Legal Services

BOSTON – March 30, 2026 – The International Institute of New England (IINE), one of the region’s longest-established nonprofits serving refugees and immigrants, has announced the hiring of Rebecca LaPierre as its new Director of Immigration Legal Services. 

An experienced attorney and educator, LaPierre brings deep expertise in immigration law and cross-cultural communication. In her new role, she will oversee IINE’s Immigration Legal Services program, leading a team of attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, paralegals, and legal assistants who provide expert, client-focused legal representation and consultation to refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations across New England. The program supports immigrants seeking humanitarian protection, family reunification, lawful permanent residency, and pathways to long‑term stability and citizenship. 

Prior to joining IINE, Rebecca served as a senior staff attorney at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), where she supervised legal teams, provided strategic oversight on complex immigration cases, ensured effective reporting and grant compliance, and helped develop internal policies, training programs, and case management systems. Her legal practice focused on affirmative immigration matters, including asylum, Special Immigrant Visas, adjustment of status, and family reunification. Her previous roles also include working as a labor and employment attorney at Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP in Boston and at Eaton Peabody in Bangor, Maine. LaPierre received a Master of Arts in International Human Rights and Global Ethics from the University of Leicester and a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Maine, School of Law.  

In addition to her legal work, LaPierre currently serves as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she has taught undergraduate courses in legal and justice studies, social justice, restorative justice, and business law. She is committed to building inclusive, discussion‑driven classrooms and mentoring students. 

“In today’s immigration landscape, ensuring that refugees and immigrants have access to expert, compassionate, and affordable legal services is especially critical,” said IINE President and CEO Jeff Thielman. “Rebecca’s extensive immigration law experience, strong leadership, and deep commitment to justice make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team. We are thrilled to welcome her to IINE at such a crucial moment for the communities we serve.” 

LaPierre’s hire comes at a time of significant legal advocacy for organizations like IINE on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Earlier this month, a federal court judge ruled in favor of a group of plaintiffs, including IINE, blocking the federal government from arresting and detaining any refugee who has been in the U.S. for a year and not yet received a green card.

“I am excited to join the team of committed advocates and legal professionals at IINE,” said LaPierre. “It is an honor to be part of an organization with such a long, impactful legacy of uplifting immigrant communities throughout New England.”