Immigration Attorney (Contract/Part-Time)

Organizational Background:

VECINA was founded in 2019 with a mission to respond to immigrants’ humanitarian legal needs by equipping immigration justice advocates and immigrants with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. We envision a society that offers safety, dignity, and justice to all, regardless of immigration status.

Since 2019 VECINA has grown into a national player empowering practitioners and volunteers with the knowledge they need to be zealous representatives and advocates. Through our work, we help to ensure that immigrants receive life saving status in the United States, reduce childrens’ exposure to detention, and promote migrant family unity.

Position Description:

VECINA is seeking a part-time Contract Attorney to support our legal training, mentorship, and technical assistance efforts. This attorney will work closely with the Legal Director to develop training materials and respond to legal technical assistance inquiries related to humanitarian immigration relief. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in removal defense, a passion for justice, and a collaborative spirit.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Legal Director to develop and launch an online training program on defensive asylum, including:
  • Drafting slides, practice pointers, and written materials
  • Recording brief, accessible videos on representing asylum seekers in removal proceedings
• Provide mentorship and respond to requests for legal technical assistance, including:
  • Staffing weekly office hours
  • Answering email inquiries from attorneys and advocates
  • Creating and delivering private trainings on topics such as asylee and refugee immigration applications, legal research and writing, and client interviewing
  • Create and facilitate collaborative spaces for shared learning
• Stay current on immigration law developments relevant to VECINA’s work
• Contribute to a culture of mutual support and knowledge-sharing within the legal team
• Provide other support as needed.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• Active license and good standing with a U.S. state bar
• 5–7 years of experience in immigration law, with recent practice in removal defense
• Demonstrated expertise representing asylum seekers in immigration court
• Familiarity with asylee/refugee-based applications, family-based immigration, and related filings
• Experience with bond and habeas cases strongly preferred
• Prior experience designing or delivering legal trainings preferred
• Strong legal writing, communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Commitment to immigrant and social justice and VECINA’s mission
• Empathy, flexibility, and commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility
• Texas residency and experience with Texas-based immigration courts preferred but not required

Work Hours: This is a contract role for up to 20 hours per week, with flexibility in scheduling and potential for growth.

Location: Remote from within the United States. Must have access to reliable internet and be available for virtual meetings during standard Central Time business hours.

Compensation: $60/hour as an independent contractor. This position does not include additional benefits.

Our Workplace:

At VECINA we firmly believe that diversity makes the world a better place and brings immeasurable value to our work. People of color, LQBTQ+ individuals, and individuals from diverse backgrounds or immigrant communities are strongly encouraged to apply, including whether or not your application aligns with the totality of the posting. VECINA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or disability status, or other protected identity.

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter in PDF to jobs@vecina.org with the subject line “Part-Time Contract Attorney Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.