Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Innovation Law Lab (Law Lab) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leverages technology, law, and organizing to fight for immigrant and refugee justice.

 JOB SUMMARY

Staff attorneys at Innovation Law Lab are responsible for driving multiple specific objectives within Innovation Law Lab’s diverse portfolio of work. Staff 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.

Staff 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 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 attorneys report to our Legal Director, Director of Legal Advocacy, or a Supervising Staff Attorney.

For this recruitment, we are looking to fill a position based out of our Portland, Oregon office.

The Staff Attorney should be prepared to provide support across Law Lab’s legal program. Responsibilities may include providing legal representation, including both defensive and affirmative immigration work, on both detained and non-detained dockets; strategizing to improve the effectiveness of universal representation programs; mentoring fellow attorneys; working with policymakers to enact inclusive state policies; developing creative litigation and legal advocacy; moving forward our impact litigation and support for priorities of the Anticarceral Legal Organizing (AcLO) program and other LL program priorities; working with cross-organizational teams to move forward impact litigation; oral and written advocacy in federal court, and using selective direct representation and other legal advocacy to advance LL’s mission. This position may require in-person representation work before EOIR, USCIS, and other agencies. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Lead and support litigation efforts, including several ongoing immigrant rights class actions in federal court.
• Engage in outreach and education (provide immigrant rights trainings, speak at key conferences and community forums, and other opportunities as they arise).
• Provide technical assistance on immigration-related issues 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.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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 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.

Benefits include full medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff members; a 401(k) plan; accrued vacation and sick leave, subject to a waiting period where applicable; and paid and floating holidays. 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.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to jobs@innovationlawlab.org. Questions may also be directed to these email addresses. Review of applications will begin on May 27, 2024; the position is open until filled.