Detention Program Staff Attorney

The Agency:

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.   

The Detention Program:

The Detention Program provides representation, case assistance, and intakes to individuals detained in ICE custody in Florida. Our Program advocates for the just and humane

treatment of all and believes that no human is illegal or should be separated from their family and support systems. AIJ recognizes the U.S. immigration system disproportionately targets and criminalizes Black and brown immigrants who are routinely and systematically funneled from the criminal justice system to deportation. Our Program advocates for all immigrants in custody and does not discriminate on any basis.

DUTIES:

AI Justice seeks a staff attorney to work fulltime with AI Justice’s Detention Program. Job responsibilities include: Providing “Know You Rights” presentations and legal screenings for detained immigrants, documenting detention conditions, legal representation in immigration proceedings before the Immigration Court; appellate proceedings before the Board of Immigration Appeals; proceedings before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and engaging in advocacy with local and national partners on behalf of detained immigrants. The staff attorney will represent clients seeking immigration benefits and relief from removal before the immigration court, including asylum, cancellation of removal and release from immigration custody. The staff attorney also will be required to conduct legal screenings of detained immigrants to determine eligibility for legal relief and representation by AI Justice, provide advice and counsel to detained immigrants, and comply with other program reporting.

Qualifications:

• Membership in good standing of any state bar.
• Preference for 3 years' experience in immigration law, including experience with detention, asylum, and criminal law as it relates to immigration consequences.
• The ideal candidate has an eye for the intersection of immigration and criminal law or “crim-imm” and an interest in ending detention and the carceral state.
• Preference for experience working with domestic violence victims and/or other victims of trauma
• Strong writing, research and analytical skills; strong communication and group leadership skills
• Interest in policy advocacy at the local and national level
• Excellent presentation skills for community outreach, education and training
• Enthusiastic about and committed to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative environment that values giving and receiving feedback
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Experience with immigration and/or legal clinics in law school would be especially helpful
• Fully bilingual, including reading and writing, in English and Spanish required
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be willing to travel to remote detention facilities throughout Florida
• Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience. Salary starts at $70,600.

Benefits: Americans for Immigrant Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. AIJ also offers annual Health Savings Account benefits. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Benefits also include a TriRail discount commuter benefit and $50/month cell phone stipend to off-set communication expenses.   Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years. 

Level of Language Proficiency:

Fully bilingual, including reading and writing, in English and Spanish required

How To Apply

AI Justice is an EOE/AA employer and we strongly encourage applications from

people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people

with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups. We value

strength in diversity and inclusion within our office and are actively working

towards providing an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment free from

discrimination for all.

Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to careers@aijustice.org. Please write DETENTION PROGRAM STAFF ATTORNEY in the subject line.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview

Application deadline: Open until filled

Location: Miami, FL

Americans for Immigrant Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. AIJ also offers annual Health Savings Account benefits. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Benefits also include a TriRail discount commuter benefit and $50/month cell phone stipend to off-set communication expenses.  Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.