Staff Spotlight: Robyn Leatherwood - Staff Attorney

What inspired you to pursue a career in legal immigration assistance?

I have always been passionate about expanding access to the justice system and ensuring that legal knowledge is more accessible to those who need it most. Immigrants face immense challenges when adapting to a new country— often navigating an unfamiliar language, complex legal systems, and uncertainty about their rights.

Coming from a family of immigrants and being married to one, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming this process can be. My goal is to provide guidance, clarity, and reassurance so they feel empowered, protected, and set up for success in their new home.

Can you share a memorable experience you've had while working with immigrants and refugees?

There are so many moments that stand out, but one I’ll never forget involved a single mother who had fled violence in her home country and was trying to build a safe life for her children here in Nebraska. Her landlord was neglecting basic repairs, leaving her and her little ones in unsafe living conditions. She truly believed that because of her immigration status, she had no rights and that her only option was to break her lease and somehow come up with thousands of dollars to do so.

All it took was one demand letter to the apartment complex, and by the end of the week, maintenance workers were at her door. What made this moment so memorable wasn’t just the repairs, but the transformation I saw in her. She went from being afraid to speak up — worried that even asking for help could put her at risk — to feeling empowered, knowing she had someone in her corner who would fight for her.

That shift from fear to confidence is what makes this work so meaningful.

What challenges do immigrants and refugees commonly face when seeking legal assistance, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

In my work, which focuses primarily on general civil law, one of the biggest challenges immigrants face is simply a lack of legal knowledge — through no fault of their own. Many don’t realize that in the U.S., people aren’t jailed for medical debt or that, regardless of immigration status, they still have rights and legal protections.

Another major hurdle is fear. With immigration policies constantly changing, many immigrants are understandably hesitant to engage with the legal system at all, worried that seeking help could put them at risk. Unfortunately, this often prevents people from standing up for their rights, even in situations where they have strong legal protections.

At CLIA, we work to bridge this gap through community education helping immigrants understand which courts handle what issues and empowering them to make informed decisions. Our goal is to provide clear, trustworthy guidance so they feel confident navigating the system rather than avoiding it out of fear.

How has your background and personal journey influenced your approach to working with immigrants and refugees?

Growing up in Texas in a family of South American immigrants gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges many immigrants and refugees face. It also shaped my understanding of how much culture influences a person’s concerns, fears, and priorities. I’ve found that when you take the time to understand someone’s cultural background, you can better advocate for them in a way that meets their needs.

While most of my clients are Latino, there’s often a misconception that all Spanish-speaking immigrants share the same experiences. In reality, each country in Central and South America has its own unique customs, legal systems, and societal norms. Recognizing these differences allows me to provide more personalized and effective representation. I have seen that when I approach a case with my client’s specific cultural background in mind, they feel heard and understood, and, ultimately, they are more successful in navigating their legal challenges.

What do you find most rewarding about your work at CLIA?

Like many nonprofit attorneys and advocates, I genuinely love helping people. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to go to law school and become a lawyer, and now, being able to use that knowledge to support others is incredibly rewarding. What makes it even more meaningful is seeing how truly appreciative my clients are. They never take help for granted, and their gratitude inspires me to give them the best representation I can.

How do you stay updated with the constantly changing immigration laws and policies?

A lot of reading! Fortunately, there are many immigration law organizations that publish weekly or biweekly updates to keep attorneys informed. I also make it a priority to attend legal courses and seminars whenever possible. That said, since my main focus is general civil law, which doesn’t change as rapidly as immigration law, it helps keep the constant updates more manageable!

Can you share an instance where your personal expertise made a significant difference in someone's life?

Before joining CLIA, I worked as a criminal defense attorney, so I always appreciate cases where a client needs guidance on criminal matters like traffic citations or city ordinance violations. These cases are often too minor to qualify for a court-appointed attorney, but for the client, they can feel overwhelming simply because they involve the criminal justice system. I love being able to walk them through the process, ease their anxiety, and give them the confidence to handle the situation.

Recently, I helped a client navigate a plea agreement for a city ordinance violation. When we first spoke, he was incredibly stressed and worried about what the charge might mean for his future. After working out an agreement with the prosecutor, he was so relieved and happy. What felt like simple legal advice to me made a huge difference to him, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling.

What advice would you give to immigrants and refugees who are navigating the legal system for the first time?

My biggest advice is to seek guidance from a lawyer or a nonprofit legal organization. While many legal matters can technically be handled on your own, having an attorney walk you through potential pitfalls can save you a lot of stress and uncertainty.

I’m a big advocate for limited-scope representation, also known as "unbundled" legal services. Many lawyers offer this option, where they handle only part of a case, making legal help more affordable and accessible for those with limited funds.

If you don’t qualify for our services and aren’t sure where to turn, I’m always happy to help connect you with the right resources. Even if you're not in Nebraska, we frequently assist people in finding lawyers in other states by reaching out to local nonprofit organizations to ensure they get the assistance they need. You’re never alone in this process — there are people and organizations ready to help!

How do you and your team at CLIA collaborate to ensure the best outcomes for your clients?

One of the things I love most about working at CLIA is how supportive and collaborative our team is. Everyone is always willing to answer questions and share their expertise. Communication is key, and we frequently discuss cases, exchange knowledge, and work together to find the best solutions for our clients.

I’ve also been able to assist with many immigration cases by addressing the civil legal issues that often come up alongside them. That kind of teamwork by the attorneys and accredited representatives ensures that our clients get well-rounded support, no matter what challenges they’re facing.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of immigration policies and support systems in our country?

I could say so much on this topic, but from my perspective, one of the biggest challenges with our immigration system is how fragmented and outdated the laws are. The Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs our immigration system, is complex, difficult to navigate, and, at times, inconsistent. This creates confusion not only for immigrants but also for policymakers and the general public. Many of the frustrations people have with the immigration system stem from the fact that it hasn’t been meaningfully reformed in decades, despite the need for clearer, more functional policies.

While no law is perfect, there are so many knowledgeable legal minds in our government who could be working on solutions, and I believe comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue.

Beyond legal changes, I think we would all benefit from recognizing that, aside from Native Americans, every single person living in the U.S. is either an immigrant or a descendant of immigrants. When we acknowledge that shared history and focus on our commonalities rather than our differences, I believe we could have much more productive and meaningful conversations about immigration policy.