Pro Bono
NILRA makes it easy for pro bono attorneys to have a meaningful impact by connecting volunteer capacity with urgent immigration legal needs and coordinated mentorship.
How We Work
NILRA makes it easy for pro bono attorneys to have a meaningful impact.
Secure referrals
Legal service providers screen cases and submit referrals through the NILRA Referral Database - a secure, centralized referral platform.
Attorney choice
Attorneys choose matters that align with their interests, skills, and availability.
Mentorship and support
NILRA offers mentorship and technical assistance to support pro bono attorneys, including:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Targeted trainings
- Case strategy support
- Templates and sample filings
- Document review
How Can You Contribute?
Because the need for legal services far exceeds available capacity, limited-scope representation and pro se support are critical tools for protecting the rights of people in detention.
Opportunities range from long-term representation to one-time interventions.
Full-Scope Representation for Detained Adults
Represent an individual throughout their removal proceedings, including court appearances, filings, and applications for relief.
- Remote appearances are increasingly permitted.
- Cases may last months to several years.
- Estimated commitment: 30–100+ hours, depending on complexity and posture.
Limited-Scope Representation for Detained Adults
Take on high-impact, discrete matters, such as:
- Habeas petitions to challenge unlawful detention or stop transfers.
- Bond hearings.
- Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals or federal courts.
Typical time commitments:
- Habeas petitions: 15–20 hours over 1–2 weeks.
- Bond hearings: 15–20 hours, including court appearance.
- Appeals: time commitment varies by forum and scope.
“Pro Se Plus” Support for Detained Adults
Make a difference in even a single meeting by helping individuals:
- Prepare for credible or reasonable fear interviews.
- Complete asylum applications.
- Draft motions to reopen.
- Participate in legal orientation sessions.
Pro Bono Resource Library
For an extensive array of trainings, guides, checklists, and templates, please explore the NILRA Resource Library. Below, please find some introductory resources for NILRA pro bono attorneys.
*Linked documents are available only to users with NILRA Resource Library access. If you do not yet have access, you may request it through the NILRA Onboarding Form.
Introduction to Habeas Petitions in Immigration Practice
Introduction to Removal Proceedings
- Part I: Ethics and Retaliation in the New Era — Hostile Court Environments Part I of III Disciplinary Complaints.mp4*
- Part II: IJ Complaints & Alternative Strategies — Slides*
- Part II: Hostile Judge Training Recording.mp4
- Part III: Preserving the Record and Pushing Back — In Court Strategies for Hostile Court Environments Part III*
- Legal Guides - Acacia Center for Justice
Introduction to Bond Proceedings
Introduction to Asylum
Intro to MTRs
Model Retainers
Support urgent legal defense through NILRA.
Complete the volunteer interest form to share your availability and learn more about pro bono opportunities.