Rapid Legal Response Initiative - Seton Hall Law School

The Rapid Legal Response Initiative

Through training, mentorship, and shared legal resources, RLRI works to expand access to legal representation for individuals facing detention and removal proceedings.

About the Initiative

As immigration detention activity has increased in New Jersey, many detained individuals face urgent legal needs without meaningful access to counsel. In many cases, habeas corpus petitions and related federal court proceedings may be one of the most effective ways to challenge unlawful detention, prevent transfer or removal, and protect due process rights.

The Rapid Legal Response Initiative helps bridge the gap between experienced federal litigators, immigration practitioners and volunteer attorneys who are ready to assist. Participating attorneys receive training, templates, legal resources, mentorship and coordination from Seton Hall Law and partner organizations.

Volunteer Attorneys

RLRI welcomes licensed attorneys interested in supporting this effort.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

Habeas corpus petitions
Federal court litigation mentoring
Immigration bond case mentoring
Pro bono legal assistance (with mentoring support)
Pro hac vice assistance
Case consultation and support
Emergency legal advocacy

Prior immigration law experience is not required. Attorneys with litigation, federal court, appellate, pro bono, or other legal experience are encouraged to apply.

Apply to Volunteer

Interested attorneys should complete the Attorney Intake Form.

After submission, applications will be reviewed by the RLRI team. Approved volunteers will receive information regarding upcoming trainings, resource access, and volunteer opportunities.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer?

Any licensed attorney in good standing may complete the Attorney Intake Form and apply to participate.

Do I need to be admitted in New Jersey?

No. Attorneys admitted in New Jersey, other states, or federal courts may be eligible to participate depending on the needs of the initiative.

Do I need immigration law experience?

No. Training, mentorship, templates, and support materials will be provided to approved volunteers.

What happens after I submit the intake form?

Applications are reviewed by the RLRI team. Applicants may be contacted for additional information as part of the review process.

Will training be provided?

Yes. Approved volunteers will receive access to training opportunities, legal resources, templates, sample filings, and related materials.

How do approved attorneys access resources?

Once approved, attorneys will receive access to the RLRI Attorney Resource Portal, which is hosted through a secure Microsoft Teams and SharePoint environment.

Do I need a Seton Hall account to access training materials?

No. Approved volunteers do not need a Seton Hall account. When accessing the Attorney Resource Portal, Microsoft will send a one-time passcode (OTP) to the approved email address associated with your account each time you access training materials.

Will I receive a new passcode each time I log in?

Yes. Microsoft will require a new one-time passcode whenever you access the secured resource portal. This additional verification helps protect attorney resources and training materials.

I am already an approved volunteer attorney. How do I access resources?

Approved attorneys can access the RLRI Attorney Resource Portal using the resource link provided during onboarding.

You must use the same email address that was approved by the RLRI team. If you experience access issues, please contact the RLRI team for assistance.

Contact Information

For questions regarding volunteer opportunities, training sessions, attorney resources, or the Rapid Legal Response Initiative, please contact:

[email protected]
973-642-8274
833 McCarter Highway Newark, NJ 07102

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