Job Opening – Staff Attorney – Family Defense Program

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) seeks an immigration attorney for our Family Defense Program.

About Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice):

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), a not-for-profit law firm 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 organizations as well as with grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to effect positive change in immigration policies.

About the Family Defense Program:

The Family Defense Program (FDP) informs and empowers immigrants, particularly mixed-status families and long-time residents whose futures are uncertain. With its signature combination of community outreach, education, and direct representation, FDP staff fight to keep Florida families safe and together.

Through legal screening clinics and Know Your Rights presentations, the FDP team bridges gaps in access to legal services and dispels rampant misinformation. With help from our network of pro bono attorneys and volunteers, staff have served thousands of immigrants, often helping them on their pathway to permanent residency and citizenship through direct representation.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide legal representation for Family Defense Program eligible clients in immigration proceedings before the Immigration Court; appellate proceedings before the Board of Immigration Appeals; and proceedings before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Effectively manage a large caseload including but not limited to asylum, family petitions, cancellation of removal, and/or U nonimmigrant status.
• Evaluate cases for relief and provide legal consultations and referrals to other nonprofit organizations or private attorneys for full representation.
• Provide Know Your Rights Presentations in the community
• Conduct outreach efforts and maintain relationships with community-based partners, law enforcement, and government agencies.
• Assist with planning and execution of legal screening clinics.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on changes in immigration law and procedures.
• Maintain current and detailed case management records.
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Must be an active member in good standing of any State Bar.
• Fully bilingual, including reading and writing, in English and Spanish or English and Haitian Creole is required.
• Preference for experience in immigration law, including experience with removal defense, family immigration, asylum, and/or U visa cases.
• Preference for experience working with survivors of trauma.
• Strong writing, research and analytical skills; strong communication and group leadership skills.
• Interest in policy advocacy at the national level.
• Excellent presentation skills for community outreach, education and training.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Ability to handle a high-volume caseload, with multiple deadlines and other tasks simultaneously.
• 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.
• Must have own transportation.
• Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks.

EDUCATION:

• JD degree required.
• Membership in good standing of any state bar.

LOCATION:

Candidate must be based in Miami, FL. Position eligible for work from home, hybrid, or in-office designation in accordance with AI Justice Job Classification Policy.

Salary & Benefits: Salary starts at $66,000. AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, and dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. Tri-Rail discount commuter benefit and $50/month cell phone stipend to off-set communication expenses. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan with increase eligibility thereafter.

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.

Please submit resume, cover letter, and three references combined into one PDF, with subject line “Family Defense Program- Staff Attorney” to careers@aijustice.org.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

 AI 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. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.