We're Hiring: Universal Representation Staff Attorney

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Universal Representation Staff Attorney to represent clients detained at the Aurora ICE Contract Facility or before the Denver Immigration Court. This position is meant for a dedicated advocate who wishes to engage in the universal representation model to serve clients who are detained in the State of Colorado. This attorney will join RMIAN’s team of attorneys, social workers, and paralegals devoted to supporting people ensnared in the immigration system who, without this program, would otherwise face the immigration court without legal counsel.

Universal representation injects a public defender based model in Immigration Court for immigrants facing removal from the United States and is rooted in the principle that everyone has a right to due process under the law. The goal is to promote racial equity by providing representation to all, including those with contact with the unjust criminal system. This means that no one is ineligible for representation because their case is difficult, because of a conviction record, prior order of removal, or the strength of their case.

This position, the first of its kind at RMIAN and in Colorado, is possible because of the historic passage of HB21-1194, a Colorado law that created a statewide Colorado Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. Through this law, Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to create such a fund through legislation. This fund provides free legal representation to low-income immigrants facing deportation and detention in the state. Most of this attorney's time will be spent representing individuals detained at the Aurora immigration detention center, using a universal representation model.

The ideal candidate:

• Understands that everyone should have access to representation, without considering factors that perpetuates narratives about “good” versus “bad” or “deserving” versus “undeserving” immigrants. The ideal candidate approaches this work with empathy and understanding.

• Is a removal defense attorney who wishes to engage in fast-paced direct legal services, demonstrates flexibility, and has a passion for working with vulnerable populations.

• Is dedicated to client-centered legal representation and empowers clients to make educated decisions about how to navigate their immigration cases. 

• Is committed to defending people with limited financial resources placed in removal proceedings and/or facing immigration consequences based on criminal system contact.

• Engages in direct communication, demonstrates empathy, is an active listener, demonstrates excellent problem-solving abilities, understands the importance of constructive feedback, and easily builds trust with colleagues.

• Is an attorney who has a solid base of substantive legal knowledge of immigration law with a focus on removal defense and a strong commitment to immigrant justice – this person knows how to run an immigration removal case in a detained setting, enjoys creative lawyering, can explain the complicated process in an easily digestible manner to clients and community members, and is passionate about RMIAN’s work and mission.

• Understands how to prioritize tasks with little guidance. The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, and has a keen eye for detail. This person enjoys handling multiple cases running in parallel and can triage in order to meet time-sensitive deadlines.

• Has a demonstrated commitment to antiracism, and promotes equity, justice, and inclusion at the organization both internally and externally.

• Possesses a desire and vision to end immigration detention and mass incarceration and to center racial equity in our nation’s court systems.

• Is team-oriented and works in collaboration with RMIAN staff members with a focus on advancing universal representation throughout Colorado, and easily forms trusting relationships with RMIAN staff members. The ideal candidate can comfortably and appropriately maintain and navigate relationships with governmental agencies, nonprofit providers, community partners and other stakeholders.

• Is proficient in a second language, such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mayan language, or other.

Responsibilities:

Direct Representation (90%)

• Maintain a robust caseload in support of 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 (USCIS), and other federal agencies).

• Create and implement systems to enhance efficiency of legal services specific to RMIAN’s universal representation program.

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

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

• Engage in broader advocacy efforts, working with RMIAN staff and partners to highlight the impact of universal representation on our community.

• 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.

• Possible supervision of attorneys and/or law student interns.

Required skills and experience:

• Admission to any state bar.

• Deep dedication to immigration legal services, racial justice, and immigrant justice.

• Experience representing clients in immigration and/or criminal proceedings preferred.

• Prior experience in the nonprofit sector desired.

• RMIAN maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities, and thus requires vaccination for COVID-19, as well as adherence to social distancing, masking, and office occupancy protocols.

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. Clients are represented before the Aurora Immigration Court, Denver Immigration Court, and before the USCIS office located in Centennial.

• RMIAN’s operations are primarily remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, but subject to change.

Compensation & Benefits

• ·This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The salary range is $55,000–$75,000, depending on years of experience.  Salary includes a phenomenal 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 end of year weeklong office closure;

• Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Life insurance, professional liability insurance, and short-term disability insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• 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 a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains (1) why this mission excites you; and (2) why this particular role is a great fit for you – along with your resume, writing sample, and list of references - to hr@rmian.org.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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.