They called it a de faco law firm. 20 lawyers showed up and set up a pop-up, pro-bono law office at DIA. Jan. 28, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
immigration; refugees; politics; protest; copolitics; rally; dia; denver; colorado; kevinjbeaty
They called it a "de facto law firm." Twenty lawyers showed up and set up a pop-up, pro bono law office at DIA. Jan. 28, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Friday morning, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN -- they pronounce it remain) is holding a class to teach attorneys from all legal disciplines how to represent kids in immigration cases. The workshop is booked solid at 140 attendees with a waiting list at least 20 lawyers long.
You might remember that members of RMIAN set up a "de facto law office" on the floor at DIA mere hours after President Donald Trump enacted his travel ban via executive order.
The interest in their workshop, said executive director Mekela Goehring, Esq., is "unprecedented" and "warming," not to mention timely.
Jeanette Vizguerra addresses supporters at the First Unitarian Society of Denver where she has taken sanctuary, Feb. 15, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
While attorneys with no courtroom experience might be a little nervous to step outside of their area of expertise, Goehring said she tells attendees to "imagine what it’s like for a 5- or 6-year old kid trying to navigate an incredibly complex system … that is the reality."
The group will hold another workshop on April 4 that will focus on adult cases.
This packed classroom on immigration law is just a piece of the crowd. Those who didn't make it in here are watching remotely in other parts of the building. Feb. 24, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.
