Free Immigration Law and Trial Advocacy Training: Representing Detained Clients in Bond Hearings
Please join attorneys from RMIAN and National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) trainer Tom Swett to learn how to best ensure justice for detained immigrants in Colorado.
Please join attorneys from the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) and National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) trainer Tom Swett to learn how to best ensure justice for detained immigrants in Colorado.
This substantive and interactive training will provide essential information and skills for attorneys who are new to immigration law and are interested in providing pro bono representation for detained individuals in bond hearings before the Aurora Immigration Court. The training will focus on trial advocacy skills, and will include a mock hearing and break-out sessions for participants to practice a five minute bond hearing and receive a focused individual critique to improve advocacy skills. Attendance will be limited to 28 attorneys due to the interactive nature of this training. Special thanks to Davis Graham and Stubbs for hosting this training event.
The training is free for attorneys who agree to take a pro bono immigration case through RMIAN. RMIAN will screen potential pro bono cases, pair attorneys with clients, and provide legal resources, mentoring, and professional liability insurance to pro bono attorneys. For those unable to take a pro bono case, the training cost is $300.
SCHEDULE: 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: Immigration Proceedings & Detention
9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m: Break
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Bond Eligibility, Practice, & Procedure
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Demonstration of Model Bond Hearing
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Small group breakout and practice
WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 2018; 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP
1550 17th Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202
TRAINERS: Tom Swett, NITA Trainer and Attorney
Laura Lunn, Managing Attorney, RMIAN
Jessica Burnett, Pro Bono Coordinator, RMIAN
Tanika Vigil, Detention Staff Attorney, RMIAN
ATTIRE: Courtroom attire recommended
To register for the training, please click here.
Event flyer can be found here.
**Application for 3.5 CLE Credits Pending**
Questions? Please contact RMIAN Pro Bono Coordinator, Jessica Burnett, at jburnett@rmian.org
CU Law Honors RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, with Award
University of Colorado Law School honors RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, with Dean's Choice - Dean Edward C. King Making a Difference Award.
RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, was honored at the 37th Annual Colorado Law Alumni Awards Banquet last night in Denver. The event, which was held in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, honors distinguished alumni. Mekela was honored with the Dean's Choice - Dean Edward C. King Making a Difference Award.
RMIAN is Proud to Partner with the Immigration Justice Campaign
The Immigration Justice Campaign recently launched a new website filled with terrific information, resources, and volunteer opportunities. RMIAN is proud to be a partner in this initiative that increases access to counsel for immigrants held in detention in Colorado.
RMIAN's Megan Hope to be on Panel at Upcoming Freedom Network Conference
RMIAN's Social Service Project Director Megan Hope is a panelist on immigration detention and labor trafficking at the Freedom Network Conference in Denver, CO on April 4-5, 2018.
Free Habeas Corpus Nuts and Bolts Webinar - 2/21/18
Register for AILA's free webinar on nuts and bolts of habeas and how to use it to challenge immigration detention. This webinar is a five-part series, presented by AILA's Federal Court Litigation Section and the Immigration Justice Campaign.
RMIAN Staff Members Discuss ICE Enforcement with Colorado Public Radio
RMIAN's Mekela Goehring, Ashley Harrington, and Laura Lunn featured in Colorado Public Radio story about increased ICE enforcement and the devastating effects on community members.
University of Denver & University of Colorado-Boulder to Host DACA Renewal Clinics
The University of Denver and the University of Colorado-Boulder to host DACA Renewal Clinics to provide legal advice and help to prepare applications.
Current DACA recipients who would like to renew their status are able to attend two upcoming clinics, one in Denver and one in Boulder.
The University of Denver will be hosting a DACA Renewal Clinic on Monday, January 22nd. Details of the clinic can be found here.
The University of Colorado-Boulder will also be hosting a DACA Renewal Clinic on Friday, January 26th. Details of the event can be found here.
Both clinics will feature attorneys and trained professionals on site and able to answer questions and provide assistance. DACA holders whose status will expire in 2018 or whose status expired in 2017 are encouraged to consult with an attorney and considering renewing their status immediately.
RMIAN Accepting DACA Renewal Cases
It is unknown how long USCIS will continue to accept DACA renewal applications, so individuals who wish to apply may want to do so quickly. Individuals who believe they may be eligible to apply to renew their DACA and who cannot afford a private attorney may contact the RMIAN's Children's Program for a free consultation by calling 303-433-2812. Individuals who can afford to are encouraged to consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
RMIAN is pleased to announce that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting applications for the renewal of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). On January 9, 2018, the Federal District Court in San Francisco, California, ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume accepting and processing DACA renewal applications. On January 13, 2018, USCIS issued an announcement confirming that they will resume accepting applications to renew DACA for those who currently have or who previously held DACA. It is important to note that USCIS will not be accepting applications from individuals who have never before held DACA.
It is unknown how long USCIS will continue to accept DACA renewal applications, so individuals who wish to apply may want to do so quickly. Individuals who believe they may be eligible to apply to renew their DACA and who cannot afford a private attorney may contact the RMIAN's Children's Program for a free consultation by calling 303-433-2812. Individuals who can afford to are encouraged to consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Immigration Justice Campaign and RMIAN Announce New Partnership
The Immigration Justice Campaign, a joint initiative between AILA and the American Immigration Council, announces its partnership with RMIAN in an effort to increase the legal representation of detained immigrants.
RMIAN Responds to President's Most Recent Vulgar Remarks
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The U.S. president’s vulgar and bigoted comments about immigration from African and other countries, coming on the eve of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, serve as a stark reminder of how far this nation is from realizing Dr. King's goals of equality for all. Unless Americans stand for justice and equality now, this country will slide further from these goals.
In response to Thursday’s events, we share a message that Malcolm R. Evans, RMIAN Board Treasurer and Chair of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, posted on behalf of the Chamber:
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Excerpt from The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, poet and descendant of Jewish immigrants inscribed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty pedestal. The CBCC supports our community of African, Haitian and other Caribbean immigrants that come to the United States seeking a better life. They start businesses, hire employees, send their kids to college and contribute to the fabric of America. – Thank you for your continued contribution to our Business Community!
Lawyers Worry about Representation at Proposed ICE Jail
Reporter Andrew Graham speaks with RMIAN's Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, and others about a proposed immigration detention center in rural Wyoming.
Detention Watch Network to Hold National Member Conference in Denver - May 2018
Denver will host Detention Watch Network's National Member Conference on May 17-19, 2018. This is a great opportunity for Coloradans to collaborate with national experts and advocates working on issues related to immigration detention.
First Death in Immigration Detention in Fiscal Year 2018 Takes Place in Aurora
"RMIAN mourns the death of Mr. Samimi, whose preliminary cause of death is cardiac arrest, while detained at the for-profit civil immigration detention center. We witness the tragedy of immigration detention on a daily basis. This death powerfully demonstrates the need for ICE to end immigration detention and pursue alternatives to detention," said RMIAN Board President, Patricia Medige.
Support RMIAN on Colorado Gives Day!
Tuesday, December 5, is Colorado Gives Day. Be part of the statewide movement to give where you live and help us take advantage of the $1 million incentive fund by making a donation to RMIAN today!
Vera Institute of Justice Launches Safe Cities Network
New findings demonstrate that government-funded defense dramatically increases successful outcomes and boosts public trust and public safety.
RMIAN Attorneys to Present on Pro Bono Opportunities at Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton, LLP
RMIAN's Jessica Burnett and Natalie Petrucci will be presenting in Denver next Monday, November 13. The course, entitled - Ensuring Immigrants' Rights in Colorado: Opportunities for Meaningful Pro Bono Work with RMIAN - is an opportunity for attorneys to learn about pro bono opportunities with RMIAN.
RMIAN attorneys Jessica Burnett and Natalie Petrucci will be presenting in Denver next Monday, November 13, at Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton, LLP. The course, entitled - Ensuring Immigrants' Rights in Colorado: Opportunities for Meaningful Pro Bono Work with RMIAN - is an opportunity for attorneys to learn about pro bono opportunities with RMIAN.
If you would like to attend the course, further information, the schedule, and instructions on to RSVP can be found below.
Ensuring Immigrants’ Rights in Colorado: Opportunities for Meaningful Pro Bono Work with the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN)
November 13, 2017
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (MST)
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 600
Denver, CO. 80202
Please RSVP: To Rachael Villarreal via phone: 303.571.4000 or email: rvillarreal@kilpatricktownsend.com
Presented by:
Jessica Burnett, Esq.
Immigration Justice Campaign Pro Bono Coordinator
RMIAN’s Detention Program
Natalie Petrucci, Esq.
University of California President’s Public Service Law Fellow
RMIAN’s Children’s Program
Course Description: Individuals in immigration proceedings, even children and those in detention, are not entitled to court appointed counsel. Working alongside Volunteer Pro Bono Attorneys, RMIAN strives to end this inequity by providing free immigration-related legal services to individuals in immigration detention and to children throughout Colorado. Come learn about our work and the meaningful pro bono opportunities available to volunteer attorneys. No previous immigration law experience necessary!
2:00 PM – 2:05 PM Overview of RMIAN’s Services
2:05 PM – 2:25 PM Common Forms of Relief for Detention Program Clients
2:25 PM – 2:45 PM Common Forms of Relief for Children’s Program Clients
2:45 PM – 2:50 PM RMIAN Pro Bono Case Referral Process
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM Q&A
Total Instruction Time: 1 Hour
Method/Format of Presentation: Live, classroom format, instructor live in Denver, CO
RMIAN Staff Members to Present at Upcoming DU Civic Engagement Series
RMIAN's Lauren Duke and Megan Hope will join other local advocates in discussing immigration at the upcoming Civic Education for Civic Engagement Series, hosted by the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work.
I Accidentally Turned My Dad In to Immigration Services
Colorado woman and Yale senior, Viviana Andazola Marquez, tells the story of how her father, a long-term Colorado resident, was detained and placed in deportation proceedings.
*Photo Courtesy of Viviana Andazola Marquez and the New York Times
Webinar: Trauma-Informed Care for Attorneys Working with Victims of Crime
The Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center will provide a webinar on "Trauma-Informed Care for Attorneys Working with Victims of Crime" on Wednesday, November 15th.
Free Webinar: How to win the release of Clients arrested by ICE
The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law will facilitate this webinar for legal services providers and immigrants' advocates on Thursday, October 19th. Details here.