Supervising Attorney - Immigration MD

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To provide leadership, supervision, and subject-matter mentorship to junior legal staff and fellows and to provide comprehensive legal representation to low-income immigrants including victims of crime and children.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

• Supervise immigration staff attorneys and/or senior staff attorneys, paralegals and/or legal interns.
• Provide direct legal representation to low-income immigrants in a variety of matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Maryland courts, with a focus on serving asylum seekers, immigrant survivors of crime and vulnerable children and youth, especially for protections under U & T visas, VAWA and SIJS.
• Where necessary, advocate on behalf of clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement.
• Deliver trainings and presentations on survivor-based immigration protections to stakeholders including the community, service providers and law enforcement.
• Represent Ayuda and our clients at local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings.
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations, and court rules.
• Provide legal advice through individual consultations and counseling to children and parents in immigration removal proceedings.
• Review legal screenings conducted by non-attorney staff and assign follow-up services, including additional interviewing, Pro Se Workshop participation or Pro Bono placement.
• Prepare individuals for hearings before EOIR and DHS.
• Coordinate Pro Se workshops to help individuals prepare and submit applications and documents before EOIR and DHS.
• Place cases for long term representation with pro bono attorneys and provide mentorship.
• Work with the Pro Bono Managing Attorney to coordinate and implement virtual or in-person brief advice and referral immigration legal clinics including logistical planning, pro bono volunteer recruitment and training.
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration detention work, specifically as applied to unaccompanied minors.
• Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services.
• Promote pro bono opportunities by maintaining relationships with law firms, individual volunteers, legal services, organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Manage requirements of a large government grant such as data entry, regular reporting and budget management.
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws and regulations;
• Participate in internal and external conferences, meetings, and trainings as needed; and
• Other duties as assigned.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. Must be able to successfully complete background checks, including FBI, sex offender registry, and CPS checks.

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.

Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.

• Member in good standing with the Maryland bar or eligibility to waive in.
• At least three years’ experience preferred, practicing immigration law, including litigation and removal defense experience, and experience representing survivors of trauma. Candidates with less experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• At least one year of experience supervising legal assistants, paralegals, and/or legal interns required, with experience supervising other attorneys strongly preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish skills highly preferred.
• Strong legal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.

Please note that this position is contingent upon federal funding. In the event that the relevant federal funding is discontinued, the position may be subject to termination.

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

This position is exempt for overtime purposes.

Bilingual Spanish skills highly preferred.