We’re Hiring: Detention Program Supervising Attorney
RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Supervising Attorney in the Detention Program. The Supervising Attorney will manage a team of attorneys providing direct representation to individuals detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, and will provide direct representation to noncitizens at the facility who are selected without regard to the merits of their cases under RMIAN’s universal representation model.
This position is meant for a seasoned immigration attorney with experience managing others. The Supervising Attorney’s time will be split between a robust caseload and supervision of other attorneys, so experience practicing removal defense immigration law, preferably in a detained setting, along with a strong desire and commitment to managing others, is vital.
The ideal candidate:
Is an experienced attorney who has a background in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice.
Has a demonstrated commitment to antiracism, and promotes diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion at the organization both internally and externally.
Is an individual with experience supervising other staff members who demonstrates strong leadership skills and skill at mentoring legal professionals.
Enjoys creative lawyering and working in a collaborative setting but can work independently.
Is committed to the idea that everyone in removal proceedings deserves to have an attorney.
Has experience representing detained noncitizens in cases complicated by criminal legal contacts.
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.
Is skilled at building rapport with clients and at building relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders (including governmental agencies, nonprofit providers, and community partners). Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise, and is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others.
Enjoys collaborating with others and understands how to keep people focused on the goal —this person thrives on working as a member of a team and has experience with project management and positively influencing people to get things done. In particular, this person excels at engaging and motivating colleagues at all levels to keep moving toward results.
Appreciates the need to be responsive and act on time-sensitive inquiries – this person can respond to stakeholders quickly and is skilled at time management.
Enjoys finding and creating efficiencies – this person naturally conceptualizes workflow through a systems approach, thrives on innovating to make tasks more streamlined, and works quickly and accurately.
Is able to work autonomously and independently – this person doesn’t require micromanaging and can be trusted to manage and meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner without the need for extensive oversight.
Responsibilities:
Attorney Supervision and Program Management
Supervise up to 5 Staff Attorneys, ensuring they have the supervision, support, and structure needed to handle their caseloads, and to ensure that program goals are met
Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney to ensure direct representation team has educational and other supports necessary to continue providing services in a changing and challenging legal environment.
Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney to create experience-based, reasonable caseload expectations, and ensure the team is meeting those caseload goals.
Work with the Detention Program Managing Attorney, LOP Supervising Attorney, and Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney to develop strategies for increasing representation based on detention population and RMIAN’s capacity for direct representation and pro bono referrals.
Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney on reporting to funders as required.
Coordinate with Detention Program Managing Attorney and RMIAN Social Service Program as needed to ensure RMIAN staff is providing trauma-informed services at all times.
Provide mentorship and training to direct representation staff attorneys, including by reviewing written work, observing court hearings, and collective brainstorming on case development.
Contribute to development of template and sample work product libraries.
Create and implement systems to enhance efficiency of direct representation for detained individuals.
Direct Representation
Provide high-quality legal representation detained noncitizens 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, Development, and Organizational Efforts
Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.
Foster 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.
Participate in community building, committee work and other activities within RMIAN.
Required skills and experience:
Admission to any state bar.
Professional proficiency in English and Spanish sufficient to represent clients without an interpreter (will be tested during interviews)
Immigration law experience in removal defense.
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.
Demonstrated cultural competency.
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. Currently, remote work is possible when office presence is not required for business operations. Current requirements for onsite presence will be shared during the recruitment process.
Compensation:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $80,000 to $95,000. 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 (100% covered);
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 cover letter 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.