Pro Bono Work

CIRA is seeking dedicated pro bono attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and volunteers to support immigrants in need of legal representation. Join us in making a difference through the following opportunities:

Volunteer as a Pro Bono Attorney for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Cases

Nebraska-licensed attorneys may volunteer to take on a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) predicate order case.  As a pro bono SIJ attorney, you will represent a child and their parent or caregiver in a custody or guardianship proceeding before a Nebraska court in which you will also seek the predicate findings necessary to support an SIJ application before the immigration agency.  CIRA will provide training, templates, and mentorship throughout the process.  You will be covered by CIRA’s malpractice insurance while volunteering as a CIRA pro bono attorney.

Represent Detained Individuals in Bond Hearings

Attorneys and fully accredited DOJ representatives may volunteer to take on a bond case before the immigration court in Omaha for an individual detained in ICE custody.  Representatives who volunteer for this project will periodically receive emails summarizing the cases of bond-eligible individuals CIRA has screened and for whom we are seeking pro bono bond counsel.  Eligible detained individuals may be apprehended through “routine” enforcement or in a large-scale workplace raid.  You will be covered by CIRA’s malpractice insurance while volunteering as a CIRA pro bono attorney or accredited representative.

All volunteers must complete a brief registration, including acknowledgment and waiver forms. Opportunities are assigned based on agency and community needs.

Get started by filling out our interest form below: