Staff Attorney

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct intake interviews with clients; prepare clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Represent CWS clients as primary attorney of record at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Engage with USCIS and other immigration agencies on behalf of clients and/or in support of clients’ immigration cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepare and file immigration applications and motions; prepare other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order and in designated database, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow-ups. Conduct periodic case reviews.
• Represent CWS at community meetings and participate in education and outreach activities.
• Support the development of grant applications and reports, and new programs.
• Promote legal service program and program vision through various media including newspaper, radio and television.
• Prepare packages and provide primary representation before USCIS or EOIR to assist in the fee-for-service program for the office.
• Provide support for paralegals, including but not limited to training, reviewing packages, and preparing program documentations as necessary.
• Supervise designated paralegal(s) when needed.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, as requested.
• Education: JD degree with specialization in Immigration law. Must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (state Bar preferred). Experience with immigration representation and other areas of Immigration law, including asylum representation and working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience with immigration representation and removal proceedings required along with other areas of Immigration Law, including asylum representation.
• Skills:
• Demonstrated cultural competency in fast-paced work environment.
• Fluency in written and oral English and a second language, Spanish language fluency preferred.
• Experience and comfort with public speaking.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, and the ability to prioritize assignments and workload.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
• Familiarity with software applications in a Windows and cloud-based environment, including Microsoft Office and immigration case management applications.
• The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.