We’re Hiring: Detention Program Staff Attorney

Position Description:

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney in our Detention Program to represent and provide legal information for clients detained at the Aurora Contract Detention Facility. The Staff Attorney will provide direct representation to clients chosen without regard to the merits of their cases through the Colorado Immigrant Legal Defense Fund (CO ILDF) and to representation to clients who are appointed counsel by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) through the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP). 

This position is meant for an attorney dedicated to equal justice for all – someone who has experience in immigration law, particularly removal defense (and preferably in a detained setting).

The ideal candidate:

• Is an attorney who has a background in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice – this person has experience in immigration law and is passionate about RMIAN’s work and mission.  This person enjoys creative lawyering and is able to offer holistic support to clients who are determined to be mentally incompetent and unable to represent themselves in removal proceedings.

• Is guided by the principle that all respondents before the immigration court are entitled to counsel. Can offer superior legal advice, navigate challenging interpersonal attorney/client relationships, and is energized by defending the rights of some of the most vulnerable people ensnared in the U.S. immigration system.

• Understands how to prioritize, enjoys handling multiple cases running in parallel, and is able to triage in order to meet time-sensitive deadlines.

• Has excellent legal research and writing skills.

• Is experienced at building rapport with clients and their support networks. Demonstrated cultural competency is essential for serving RMIAN’s diverse client population.

• Is comfortable working with clients living with serious physical and mental disabilities and/or illness. NQRP cases require a deep appreciation for how clients’ diagnoses may interact with their ability to meaningfully participate in their own representation.

• Is skilled at building rapport with clients and at building relationships with Detention Program staff and stakeholders.  Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise, and is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others.

• Easily forms trusting relationships with RMIAN staff members. Can maintain and navigate relationships with governmental agencies, nonprofit providers, and community partners.

Responsibilities:

Direct Representation (90%)

• Maintain a robust caseload in support of detained clients seeking relief from removal and/or release from immigration detention (including representation before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other federal agencies) split evenly between clients appointed through the NQRP program and unrestricted funding through which the attorney, with the guidance of the designated supervisor, can choose who to represent based on programmatic goals.

• Collaborate with supervisor(s), other attorneys, legal assistants (for NQRP cases), and social workers to provide zealous and holistic representation to clients.

• Undertake own administrative functions, including for case and follow up work (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings, database and case management upkeep, file maintenance, timekeeping).

• Engage with RMIAN staff in a collegial and team-oriented manner to provide technical assistance to co-workers, and in turn feels comfortable seeking input from colleagues with varying levels of experience representing clients in immigration proceedings.

Outreach, Community Education, and Development Efforts (10%)

• Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.

• Foster strong relationships with clients willing to engage in campaigns to promote public awareness of RMIAN’s work and its impact on people who seek lasting protection from deportation in the United States.

Required skills and experience:

• Admission to any state bar

• Professional-level English & Spanish fluency – both oral and written

• Deep dedication to immigration legal services, working with individuals in detention, commitment to working with members of marginalized groups, and people with prior history of involvement in the criminal and immigration legal systems.

Location:
This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado but requires frequent travel to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado. 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.

RMIAN is committed to the care of our staff and community, and thus requires COVID-19 vaccination for all staff members. All new hires must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request a reasonable accommodation prior to commencing their employment with RMIAN. 

Compensation:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $63,000 to $80,000. 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);

• Dental & vision insurance (90% 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 4%); and

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan.

If this profile calls to you, please send your resume, a writing sample, references, and a short statement that explains why this 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.