Paralegal

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal and social services to individuals in immigration detention, as well as to children and families throughout Colorado. RMIAN’s Detention Program provides legal and social service support to individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the privately-owned civil immigration detention facility located in Aurora, Colorado.

Position Description

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Paralegal in RMIAN’s Detention Program to provide support to attorneys representing clients detained at the Aurora ICE Contract Facility before the Aurora Immigration Court, the non-detained Denver Immigration Court, and the Federal District Court for the District of Colorado. This paralegal will join RMIAN’s team of attorneys, social workers, and legal advocates devoted to supporting people ensnared in the immigration system who, without this program, would face their immigration proceedings without legal counsel.

This position is meant for an individual who is exceptionally organized and detail-oriented , who is compassionate and patient , and who enjoys working directly with clients and members of their support networks . This is an ideal position for someone who has experience in immigration removal defense and wants to provide essential support to attorneys providing no-cost legal representation on behalf of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice.
• Has experience and familiarity working with detained clients.
• Understands how to prioritize, enjoys handling multiple assignments running in parallel, and can triage to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Is comfortable with tracking hearing dates, deadlines, and other details in a consistent manner using an online case management system.
• Has experience with and enjoys opening, closing, and managing electronic case files to ensure uniformity and ease of use.
• Understands the importance of recording up-to-date client information for reporting to funders and others.
• Is comfortable working with individuals in a detained setting and ready to provide client-centered services in support of representation.
• Enjoys collaborating with others on a team and is also able to work independently.
• Is a team player and will look for opportunities to contribute to the team’s goals.
• Engages in direct, timely communication, demonstrates empathy, is an active listener, and provides and accepts constructive feedback.

Responsibilities:

Direct Client Services

• Support multiple RMIAN attorneys representing clients, the majority of whom will be detained in Aurora, Colorado. In collaboration with attorneys, draft applications for relief, motions, declarations, evidence packets, legal correspondence and other documents and coordinate the filing and proper service of all documents.
• Obtain evidence for client cases by researching country conditions, interfacing with family members to obtain declarations and other evidence, requesting records related to criminal legal contacts, medical conditions, and other issues, and coordinating expert witness retention.
• Track deadlines and ensure case filings are prepared in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain client files in electronic and paper form (if applicable).
• Open and close client files as needed.
• Administer outgoing mailings and process incoming mail.
• Provide formatting and document preparation assistance using MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Support electronic filing needs in immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals as necessary.
• Provide assistance as necessary for attorneys filing appeals and petitions for writs of habeas corpus in the federal courts.
• Support hotline processing.
• Support team in pulling together reports regarding client work for funders.
• Liaise between paid experts and other case consultants and RMIAN’s accounting team.
• Support attorneys in streamlining, creating, and implementing systems to enhance the efficiency of client cases.

Outreach, Community Education, and Development Efforts

• Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.
• Participate in internal initiatives related to community building, committee work, and other activities within RMIAN.

Required skills and experience:

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA approved paralegal studies program or accredited institution; or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field; or 2+ years prior experience in immigration law or other legal experience.
• Experience with and strong command of MS Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• 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.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Experience working in immigration law, especially removal defense
• Experience using an online case management database
• Experience using electronic court filing systems

Work Environment:

• This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado, but will require some travel to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado.
• RMIAN operates on a hybrid remote/in-person model. This position requires at least three days a week of all-day on-site work (primarily in RMIAN’s office). Additional and/or alternative days in the office or detention facility may be required as needed due to the press of business.
• RMIAN provides a dedicated workstation, computer, and desk in an office setting.