Overview
This role involves providing direct legal representation to individuals and families pursuing benefits or relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The staff attorney will work collaboratively with legal assistants and other team members.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients in immigration matters before Immigration Court (EOIR), Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Administrative Appeals Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Asylum Office, State and federal courts, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Conduct thorough immigration screenings to assess eligibility for relief, explaining rights, options, benefits, risks, processes, and any associated costs.
- Coordinate additional client services with Litigation Unit, bond fund programs, social programs, and advocacy departments.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and detailed case data entry in compliance with grantor provisions and organizational requirements.
- Contribute to grant reporting as applicable.
- Supervise casework of assigned Legal Assistants, Senior Legal Assistants, Interns, or other non-legal staff.
- Represent the organization in community presentations, outreach, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and media interviews.
- Provide pro se assistance to prospective clients.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current bar membership in good standing within the United States.
- Bar membership in Texas preferred; may be required to meet grant requirements.
- Ability to pass a Federal Background Check.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish may be required depending on grant requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- 0-2 years of experience in Immigration Law, Family Law, and Criminal Law; law school experience will be considered.
- Experience in immigration and/or criminal law preferred.
- Current bar membership in good standing; Texas bar membership preferred but not required.
Attributes
- Demonstrated alignment with values of empowerment, excellence, compassion, inclusion, and proactivity.
- Ability to communicate cross-culturally and work compassionately in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Candidates who are scheduled for or awaiting bar exam results may be considered depending on the applicant pool. Offers to these candidates will be contingent upon successful completion of the bar exam within 12 months of employment start date.
Work Arrangement
- Hybrid work plan requiring both remote and in-office work at assigned locations.
- Applicants must reside in Texas and be able to commute to the office or assigned on-site locations as needed.
- Interviews are currently conducted virtually.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable law.