ABOUT THE ROLE
Under the direction of the Program Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for performing client counseling and representation duties. The Staff Attorney meets with and advises clients of immigrant legal rights and issues, conducts legal research and writing, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other legal duties. The Staff Attorney works directly on complex immigration cases, with a current emphasis on relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, DACA, and Removal Defense. The Staff Attorney represents clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Staff Attorney provides technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration, and staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Staff Attorney conducts immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. The position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit.
Your day-to-day typically includes:
75% Client support and representation for various types of immigration cases
- Provide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum offices
- Provide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIR
- Prepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients
- Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables
- Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance
15% Community Outreach & Education
- Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests
- Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and adult education centers to present information sessions on Naturalization and Immigration law
10% Immigration & Citizenship Legal Clinic Support
- Provide consults, legal support and review at weekly clinics at onsite and remote locations
- Help train and oversee work of volunteers at workshops and clinics
- Work closely with the Immigration Director to help plan and strategize culturally competent service models to address relevant immigration needs
- Aid in operational elements of clinic including preparation, setup, and break down
- Other duties as assigned