The Honorable Immigration Judge Joseph Paul Secola was appointed as an immigration judge to begin hearing cases in July 2026. Judge Secola earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1981 from Fairfield University, a Juris Doctor in 1984 from O.W. Coburn School of Law, and a Master of Laws in 2018 from Western New England University School of Law. From 1984 to July 2026, he served as attorney and counselor at law in private practice in Connecticut, New York, and Texas. From 2001 to 2011, he also served as judge of probate for the District of Brookfield, State of Connecticut. Judge Secola is a member of the Connecticut Bar, the New York State Bar, and the State Bar of Texas.