Staff Immigration Attorney - IDPL (Citiz) PT

Staff Immigration Attorney - IDPL (Citiz) PT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Staff Immigration Attorney at Instituto del Progreso Latino, under the supervision of the Lead Staff Immigration Attorney, will provide direct legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), with a focus on the representation of cases involving adjustment of status, U visa, T Visa, VAWA, Removal Defense, Detained Defense; and SIJS, among other immigration matters. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel. The Staff Attorney who joins Instituto will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, screening detained and non-detained individuals, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession. 
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department. 
• Develops and implements case strategies. 
• Collaborate with and provide legal advice to pro bono attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives on their immigration law caseload.
• Work on developing and maintaining training standards and materials for all immigration staff and pro bono attorneys. 
• Monitor changes to immigration law, regulations and policy. Prepare for significant changes in immigration law and their impact on client services.
• Represent Instituto at community functions, and at other events as requested.
• Conduct Know Your Rights presentations and other related workshops.
• Supervise intakes at off-site Immigration Clinics at partnering organizations.
• Provides technical support to pro bono counsel. 
• Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remains current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants. 
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, ICE, CBP, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. 
• Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.
• In accord with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies and avoids conflict of interest. 
• Perform other responsibilities needed to ensure Instituto Immigration team’s success.
• Participates in all required trainings assigned by our funders, direct supervisor and the Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.
• Licensed to practice law, in good standing, in at least one of the 50 states of the U.S..
• At least one year of relevant experience, with a preference in immigration and/or human rights law.
• Self-motivated and committed to civil liberties and immigration advocacy.
• Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and diverse community organizations and coalitions.
• Immigration Court experience preferred.
• Demonstrated team-player with exemplary interpersonal skills in collaborating and communicating with others.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced nonprofit start-up environment.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of individuals and organizations. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

Nature of work requires an ability to stand for long periods of time, speak during presentations in front of groups, and operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Majority of work performed in an office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events, trainings, and meetings.

BENEFITS

• 403b retirement saving plan (if working more than 20 hours per week).

PAID TIME OFF

• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Leave

Instituto del Progresso Latino is an equal opportunity employer