Immigrants' Rights Attorney

JOB SUMMARY

The Immigrants’ Rights Attorney will be responsible for proactively developing and executing litigation and other legal advocacy strategies to advance the rights of immigrants and immigrant communities in Virginia. Please note this is a two-year, grant-funded position with the potential for a one- to two-year extension depending on organizational needs and funding availability. The Immigrants’ Rights Attorney will litigate on a variety of issues relating to the rights of immigrants, with a particular focus on ending the mass detention and deportation of immigrants in Virginia as well as limiting cooperation between federal immigration authorities and state and local government. The Attorney will also participate in non-litigation advocacy to advance the ACLU’s strategic priorities in this area, including supporting legislative and policy work, participating in public speaking engagements, and working with our communications team to draft press or public education materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute litigation and legal advocacy strategies.

• Develop and execute a wide range of federal, state, and administrative litigation, including impact litigation, complex class-action litigation, appeals, and amicus briefs;
• Participate in case selection and development, including conducting factual and legal research, evaluating legal theory and strategy, identifying and analyzing potential claims, determining possible plaintiffs and defendants, interviewing clients and potential witnesses, working with experts, preparing internal memoranda, and drafting demand letters and litigation-related pleadings and briefs;
• Participate in all phases of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions, briefs and correspondence; conducting discovery; taking and defending depositions; arguing motions; trying cases; handling appeals; working with experts; negotiating and monitoring settlement agreements; and pursuing attorney’s fee awards;
• Appear and argue cases in federal court, state court, and before administrative agencies;
• Seek out and cultivate relationships with cooperating attorneys for potential litigation;
• Monitor litigation being handled by cooperating attorneys and provide assistance as needed.

Assist with the overall administration of the legal program.

• In collaboration with the legal team, provide input on priorities and potential legal advocacy strategies;
• Assist in the implementation of legal program policies, procedures, and systems – such as the intake and case selection process; case management process; paper and electronic filing systems; and legal docket;
• Participate in the review and consideration of intakes and other requests for assistance; conduct research or factual follow-up as necessary, and propose and/or consider recommendations for additional action;
• Develop and conduct, as appropriate, staff training sessions, workshops, continuing legal education events, and other events on specific issues;
• Develop and maintain relationships with legal services agencies, law firms, and other public interest attorneys in Virginia and other states as needed;
• Prepare memoranda and reports as needed.

Support the legislative, advocacy, and communications work of the affiliate.

• Speak at public forums, meetings, and events on civil liberties and civil rights topics affecting immigrant communities, as requested or as necessary;
• Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU on cases and legal issues for the media, as requested or as necessary;
• Act as a resource for communications and advocacy staff, and draft memoranda, reports, public education materials, and legislative advocacy materials, as requested or as necessary;
• Identify and research issues related to legislation, local ordinances or policies, and agency rules and regulations; working in collaboration with the advocacy team, draft memoranda or advocacy letters and testify, provide public comment, or lobby on such matters as necessary;
• Assist in fundraising efforts by participating in meetings with donors, as requested.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar or another state bar provided admission to the Virginia State Bar is obtained within a reasonable time.
• Experience litigating cases in federal and/or state courts.
• Willingness and availability to work beyond the normal work day, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Virginia, and occasionally to other states for conferences and training.
• A commitment to the mission and values of the ACLU of Virginia, and to racial justice and civil rights issues and an understanding that these issues are central to overall protection of civil liberties.
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, to refrain from unlawful discrimination and to comply fully with all applicable laws; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity and national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, and able to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.
• Familiarity with office technology and information systems, including databases, case management software, digital legal research sources, online communications, and word processing.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively and professionally with clients, other counsel, volunteers, and staff, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards and the values of the ACLU of Virginia.
• Ability to provide clear direction, set priorities, meet deadlines, and hold staff accountable to deadlines on concurrent projects in a fast-paced, occasionally stressful environment.
• Ability to provide meaningful and critical feedback on planning and execution of programs.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work competently and effectively under pressure.
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with other staff members, cooperating attorneys, and diverse organizations and coalitions.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to speak and/or write in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic or other language spoken by a language minority in Virginia.
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of the issues impacting immigrant communities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage cases and legal projects.
• Experience working in an integrated advocacy model.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this job description restricts the Executive Director's right to assign other duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.

The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, bi- or multi-lingual (including Indigenous languages) speakers, multi-cultural individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated or are currently under supervision, and other people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We seek to build a diverse team and an inclusive organizational culture. All qualified applicants who share our vision and who have a desire to contribute to our mission are encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Virginia is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email hr@acluva.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The ACLU of Virginia is a unionized workplace, and this position is part of the bargaining unit.