About Ira
Ira J — Kurzban is an attorney specializing in immigration law, civil rights, and international law. He is a founding partner of Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A., a prominent law firm located at 131 Madeira Avenue in Coral Gables, Florida. The firm is known for its comprehensive legal services, particularly in immigration and civil rights, addressing complex legal challenges faced by individuals and organizations. Mr. Kurzban earned his Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Political Theory from the University of California, Berkeley. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1976, he has accumulated over four decades of legal experience. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly through his litigation of significant federal cases.
Notable cases include Jean v. Nelson, Commissioner v. Jean, and McNary v. Haitian Refugee Center, Inc., the latter of which he argued before the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his litigation work, Mr. Kurzban is a recognized author in the field of immigration law. He has penned "Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook," which has become a widely used reference for practitioners and scholars alike. This publication reflects his understanding of immigration law and his dedication to educating others in the field.
His expertise has also led him to serve as an adjunct faculty member in Immigration and Nationality Law at the University of Miami School of Law. He imparts his knowledge to the next generation of legal professionals. Mr. Kurzban's contributions to the legal community extend beyond his practice and teaching. He has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the national President and former General Counsel of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. His leadership has helped shape policies and practices that impact immigration law on a national scale. His commitment to civil rights and immigration advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, including the Leonard J. Theberge Award for Private International Law in 2020.
Recognition for Mr. Kurzban’s work is extensive. He has been named a Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2026 and is listed in Best Lawyers in America for both Immigration and Employment Law. His legal acumen is further underscored by his admission to practice in multiple jurisdictions, including Florida, California, Iowa, and New York. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and various U.S. Courts of Appeals, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the legal field.