Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

Staff and senior staff attorneys at Innovation Law Lab are responsible for driving multiple specific objectives within Innovation Law Lab’s diverse portfolio of work. Attorneys are part of an in-house counsel team that employs creative legal and advocacy strategies to directly challenge barriers to asylum access, prototype new inclusive systems and policy work, provide legal representation and combat injustices in the immigration legal system, and advocate for detained individuals while working to shut down immigration prisons.

Attorneys are expected to be self-motivated, professional, creative, and interested in contributing to a diverse array of goals, objectives, projects and programs that leverage law, technology and organizing to advance immigrant and refugee justice. A staff or senior staff attorney should be ready to wear many hats, consistently support team members with numerous projects, take initiative and communicate proactively, work independently, and play an active role in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. Staff and senior staff attorneys report to our Legal Director or a Supervising Staff Attorney.

For this recruitment, we are looking to fill one position; if the attorney is based in Portland, Oregon, the position will work from the Portland office. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered depending on business needs and the incumbent’s circumstances.

The Staff or Senior Staff Attorney should be prepared to provide support across Law Lab’s legal program. This particular role is focused primarily on supporting Innovation Law Lab’s role as the Clearinghouse for the Equity Corps of Oregon, the state’s universal representation program for immigrants who cannot afford private counsel. Responsibilities may include providing technical support to attorneys providing direct representation in the program, including members of the private bar, pro bonos, and attorney fellows; developing and leading new attorney and staff trainings; coordinating and reviewing program navigations; evaluating cases to determine the best defensive or affirmative relief strategies; conducting legal intake (can occur remotely); mentoring fellow attorneys; working with policymakers to enact inclusive state policies; developing creative litigation and legal advocacy; and using selective direct representation, litigation, and other legal advocacy to advance LL’s mission.

This is a union position; terms of employment are governed by collective bargaining agreement where applicable.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collaborate with staff in creating and analyzing legal strategies; personalizing case interventions/actions; and contributing to the development of best practices at the intersection of technology and the law.
• Support colleagues and legal advocates at partner organizations with case development and strategy for defensive and affirmative immigration cases before EOIR and USCIS.
• Develop materials to train and aid staff, pro bono attorneys, legal fellows, clients, and pro se respondents as they endeavor to navigate the complex immigration system.
• Provide technical assistance on immigration-related issues to attorneys in the Equity Corps network and also to coalitions, community partners, government officials, and government bodies.
• Engage in policy research and assist in drafting policy reports and recommendations.
• Support collaborating team members in their work, ensuring focus and wise use of resources within project objectives.
• Ensure objectives, tasks and projects are completed on time and are efficiently managed.
• Contribute to an inspiring team environment.
• Participate in and lead committee and partner meetings, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

The following are the minimum levels required to successfully perform the essential job duties and responsibilities.

• JD degree and admission to the bar. Preference may be given to candidates with Oregon bar membership, or the ability to waive into the Oregon bar.
• At least two (for the staff attorney position) or five (for the senior staff attorney position) years of relevant work experience practicing immigration law, litigating in federal or state court, and/or engaging in immigration policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice.
• Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational and time management skills.
• Well-organized, efficient, highly self-motivated, able to work well under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a both in-office and remote team.
• Must maintain professional demeanor and excellent work ethic at all times.
• Knowledge of BIA and Immigration Court procedures.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including low-income populations, people who are marginally housed, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color and/or persons with disabilities.
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish is required.

Salary will be set commensurate with experience and skills based on the salary band listed above. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision; short and long term disability; life insurance; ability to enroll in Law Lab’s 401(k) plan; accrued vacation and sick leave, subject to a waiting period where applicable; 6 floating holidays; and professional development time. Staff members based at the Portland office will have access to office space in our downtown Portland office. Law Lab provides TriMet transit passes to access public transportation in the Portland Metro Area.

Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish is required.