Staff Attorney

Introduction:

The Southeast Asian Defense Response Project Staff Attorney will work in close partnership with Southeast Asian Freedom Network, Man Forward, and Transforming Generations to increase legal access and resources to our Southeast Asian Communities in Minnesota. The Staff Attorney is responsible for legal representation in a variety of immigration matters, including immigration court cases, and for providing information, technical assistance, outreach, and training on behalf of income-eligible persons.

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

Why ILCM?

• • You will be championing social justice & creating meaningful impact.
  • You will work in a place that values diversity, equity, and belonging. We encourage new ideas, value multiple perspectives, and foster a supportive environment where each role matters.
  • We offer competitive and transparent compensation. We aim to ensure that pay, benefits, and career progression reflect your contributions, impact, and market value.
  • You will work with a committed organization dedicated to serving and empowering clients. ILCM’s values are grounded in respect for and partnership with our immigrant and refugee clients.

Primary Responsibilities

Representation 65%

• Provide representation to individuals in defensive immigration matters in both detained and non-detained cases, including some or all of the following tasks:
  • With support of intake team and legal assistants, screen clients for eligibility for services and immigration relief.
  • Prepare and submit written pleadings and motions to the Immigration Court in Fort Snelling, MN;
  • Represent detained clients in their request for bond;
  • Draft and file appropriate applications for relief from removal (i.e.: cancellation of removal, asylum, waiver applications, motions to reopen, among others);
  • Draft and file appropriate applications with USCIS for clients in removal proceedings (i.e. SIJS, TVPRA asylum, TPS, EADs, among others);
  • Meet with clients at detention facilities or remotely;
  • Prepare clients and witnesses for individual hearings;
  • Represent clients (where appropriate) to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
  • Maintain client data in compliance with organization protocols, grant and contract requirements, and ethical obligations.

Outreach 20%:

• In partnership with the Southeast Asian Freedom Network, Transforming Generations, and Man Forward, create and join outreach opportunities to connect with our Southeast Asian immigrant communities in Minnesota.
• Conduct regular presentations and consultations at partner sites.
• Conduct consultations with and provide advice to potential clients, including individuals in immigration detention.
• Participate in legal advice clinics.
• Support ILCM’s detention line by taking calls, advising clients, and supervising volunteers and interns on the line.

Mentorship 5%:

• Mentor student volunteers and staff members on legal issues and crimmigration topics.
• Work with interns on case work and projects.
• Partner with attorneys from other ILCM units to support removal side of otherwise affirmative cases.
• Train and update staff on changes in legal and policy landscape impacting the Southeast Asian Community in Minnesota.

Secondary Responsibilities 10%

• Complete time records for financial management, grant reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Participate in legal team meetings, case reviews, and monthly all-staff meetings.
• Engage in training and professional development opportunities as assigned or required.
• Assist with proposal development and grant reporting as needed.
• Assist with unscheduled walk-in clients, as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications | Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• J.D. degree and licensed attorney under the MN State Bar.
• Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience with immigration law and immigration court matters, preferred.
• Second language fluency in language spoken by Minnesota Southeast Asian client community (i.e., Hmong, Karen, Vietnamese, etc.) required.
• Ability to travel to partner organizations, detention centers, and trusted locations 3-5 times per month (up to 100 miles from ILCM St. Paul office), to meet with clients, and to conduct outreach.
• Proficient in all Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience with LegalServer and/or other timekeeping programs preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to work well cross-departmentally, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with diverse refugee and immigrant communities, community agencies, and resources.
• Passion for serving the low-income immigrant and refugee community and experience working with persons of diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

• We provide paid leave including the following:
  • Paid Time Off – Employee earns 12.5 hours per month during the first 2 years of employment (4 weeks), 15.625 per month in years 2-5 (5 weeks), and 18.75 per month after 5 years (6 weeks). Employees can carry up to 80 hours of unused leave from year to year.
  • Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST): In compliance with Minnesota law, ILCM will provide employees with paid sick & safe leave under this policy. All employees will receive eighty (80) hours sick and safe time, or pro-rated upon the commencement of employment. Unused sick and safe time will not be carried over from one calendar year to the next, nor will it be paid out at the end of each year.
  • Holiday Leave: Most major federal holidays off including the days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. In addition, ILCM offers one floating holiday and the opportunity to exchange holidays that don’t fall within an employee's religious or cultural background (i.e., alternative holidays).
  • Paid Family & Medical Leave: In compliance with Minnesota statute. See Handbook and Benefits Guide for more information.
• We provide competitive benefits including the following:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (with employer contributions)
  • Employer-paid life and disability coverage (voluntary life insurance is available at employee cost)
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match
  • FSA and HSA with employer contributions (HSA is only available for employees enrolled in our HSA medical plan)
  • Pet Benefits & Pet Discount Program with employer contributions
  • A remote connectivity stipend of $50/month
  • Payment for organizational/membership dues
  • Training/professional development budget of $500/year

Second language fluency in language spoken by Minnesota Southeast Asian client community (i.e., Hmong, Karen, Vietnamese, etc.) required.