Detention Program Legal Internship
Fall 2025

RMIAN is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal and social services to individuals in immigration detention and to children and their families throughout Colorado. RMIAN is committed to providing educational opportunities for undergrad and law students interested in pursuing professions in the field of immigration advocacy.  

Internship Overview: 

RMIAN has an opening for a Detention Program Legal Intern to work 12-20 hours a week beginning on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, through December 2025. RMIAN may be able to adjust end dates, but must onboard the date listed above and does exercise a strong preference for the stated hours. The position is based out of RMIAN’s office in Westminster, Colorado. The intern will be supervised by an attorney on RMIAN’s Detention Program and will support the Detention Program in advocating on behalf of people held at the privately-owned civil immigration detention facility in Aurora, Colorado.

While this position is unpaid, RMIAN is happy to coordinate with your academic institution if course credit can be offered for participation in this internship or to certify work for any outside funding source.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Is dedicated to immigration legal services and committed to working with vulnerable populations, in particular individuals in detention, and children and families.

  • Is aware of and devoted to fighting against systematic inequality.

  • Is motivated to learn and apply trauma informed lawyering.

  • Is currently enrolled in an immigration law course or previously completed the course.

  • Is proficient in English and Spanish (other language proficiency will also be considered).

  • Is a strong researcher, writer, and problem solver.

  • Is team-oriented and works in collaboration with RMIAN staff members with a focus on advancing RMIAN’s mission.

  • Is skilled at building rapport with clients/pro se litigants and their support networks, as demonstrated cultural competency is essential for serving RMIAN’s diverse client population.

  • Is committed to the principles of human equality, treats everyone with dignity, and is able to effectively and compassionately work with people from diverse backgrounds.

  • Is competent in Microsoft Office; has administrative office experience (e.g., filing, mailing, printing, scanning, etc.) and/or experience with database systems (e.g., excel or other spreadsheet programs, project or task management software,

  • Is excited to innovate and streamline administrative processes and contribute to efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Researching and briefing legal questions related to immigration law, family law, criminal law on the federal and state level.

  • Assisting legal service providers with individual case tasks, including but not limited to drafting memos, briefs, declarations, collecting evidence.

  • Preparing applications and filings for federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s subagencies and the Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review.

  • Conducting legal intakes with individuals detained at the immigration detention center in Aurora, Colorado.

  • Conduct legal and factual research to determine individuals’ eligibility and sustainability of cases for referrals.

  • Working directly (remotely) with clients.

  • Attending team meetings with RMIAN staff and engaging in legal strategy on immigration cases.

  • Engaging in community education and collaborating with advocacy-based organizations and other service providers.

  • Support with administrative work/data entry in the Legal Server database

  • Other administrative tasks.

Location:

This position is in-person and based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado. The position is not available remotely.

You Will Gain:

  • Knowledge about the immigration legal system.

  • Engage in hearing observation and/or participation before the Denver and/or Aurora Immigration Courts.

  • Cultural awareness of RMIAN clients and the immigrant community.

  • Integration of immigration law and intersecting legal fields, such as criminal and family law.

  • Experience in a nonprofit work setting.

If this profile calls to you please send your resume, a writing sample not exceeding ten pages, and a tailored cover letter that explains why RMIAN’s mission excites you and why this role is a great fit for you by August 1, 2025 to hr@rmian.org. Use the subject line “Detention Program Legal Internship Application – Fall 2025,” and combine all documents into one PDF file.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer. 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.