We're Hiring: Detention Program Staff Attorney
RMIAN is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal services to individuals in immigration detention and to children and their families throughout Colorado. RMIAN believes that justice for immigrants means justice for all.
Position Description:
RMIAN has an opening for a Detention Program Staff Attorney who is a seasoned attorney able to manage a robust caseload independently and demonstrates a keen understanding of immigration law and legal strategy. The Staff Attorney will primarily provide direct representation to noncitizens detained at the Aurora Contract Detention Facility who are selected without regard to the merits of their cases under RMIAN’s universal representation model.
The ideal candidate:
Is an experienced immigration attorney with experience representing detained noncitizens.
Is committed to the idea that all those in removal proceedings deserve to have an attorney by their side.
Has experience representing detained noncitizens with cases complicated by criminal legal contacts.
Has a demonstrated commitment to antiracism, and promotes diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion at the organization both internally and externally.
Is skilled at explaining complex legal issues in an accessible manner to recently arrived noncitizens and individuals unfamiliar with the complexities of immigration laws, processes, and procedures.
Demonstrates empathy, is an active listener, exhibits excellent problem-solving abilities, understands the importance of constructive feedback, and easily builds trust with colleagues.
Is dedicated to client-centered legal representation.
Understands how to prioritize. The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, and has a keen eye for detail while keeping an eye on the big picture. This person enjoys handling multiple tasks running in parallel and can triage to meet time-sensitive deadlines while working toward larger goals.
Is team-oriented and works in collaboration with RMIAN staff members, clients, and community partners while also being able to manage casework and deadlines independently.
Has a strong commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities, with an ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues.
Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise; is confident speaking to groups; and is excited to share RMIAN’s mission with others.
Required skills and experience:
Minimum of two years’ experience as a practicing immigration attorney.
Experience representing detained noncitizens in removal proceedings.
Admission to any state bar, with a preference for Colorado State Bar.
Deep dedication to immigration legal services, racial justice, and immigrant justice.
Professional proficiency in Spanish.
Position Responsibilities:
Direct Representation (95%)
Provide high-quality legal representation to a dozen or more detained noncitizens (annually) in their immigration legal matters.
Manage a large, complex caseload independently with minimal need for supervision or guidance on legal work or strategy. Track and meet all case deadlines. Demonstrate superior legal skills and analysis and high-quality written work that requires minimal review or editing.
Outreach, Community Education, Communication, Policy & Development Efforts (5%)
Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, communication, and development efforts and assist with other tasks as needed.
Promote RMIAN’s mission, values and organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Location:
This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado, but requires appearances before the Aurora and Denver Immigration Courts. RMIAN’s operations are currently on a hybrid remote/in-person model, requiring at least two days a week of work in RMIAN’s office, or other work-related locations.
Compensation:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $62,000 to $77,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package which includes:
Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 Federal holidays, plus, an annual week-long holiday office closure;
Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);
Life insurance, professional liability insurance, and short-term disability insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);
Professional development funds and opportunities;
Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 3%);
Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan; and
Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment.
If this profile calls to you, please send your resume and a short statement that explains why this particular role is a great fit for you to hr@rmian.org.
RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.