Supervising Attorney, Immigration Program

Volunteer Legal Advocates (formerly DC Volunteer Lawyers Project) is breaking the cycle of violence for survivors and children through pro bono legal aid. We recruit, train, and support a dedicated network of volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children in dangerous situations. With hands-on staff support, our volunteers handle protection orders, custody, and immigration cases, serve as court-appointed attorneys for children, and staff walk-in clinics that offer legal guidance, safety planning, and referrals to essential resources. Our innovative model expands access to justice for thousands of clients at no cost to them. Learn more at VolunteerLegalAdvocates.org.

Reporting to the Immigration Managing Attorney, the Immigration Supervising Attorney is a key member of the Immigration Program. The Immigration Supervising Attorney is responsible for supervising volunteer attorneys, providing brief legal advice at Volunteer Legal Advocates clinics, participating in volunteer trainings, and more. This dynamic role is a unique opportunity to expand access to justice for underserved, low-income individuals in our community.

WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB:

• You believe that a life free from violence and abuse is a basic human right.
• You have a demonstrated commitment to working with vulnerable populations and you want to use your law degree to provide marginalized individuals with access to high quality legal services.
• You have a law degree and are admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
• You have three (3) or more years of legal experience focused on immigration law.
• You are proficient in Spanish, French, Arabic, and/or Mandarin.
• You can work virtually but understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office is required as is necessary to carry out your duties and onsite participation in community clinics is required.

WHAT THIS JOB WILL ENTAIL:

• Supervise a substantial caseload of immigration cases assigned to volunteer attorneys and law fellows. Immigration cases are mostly in Hyattsville Immigration Court or with USCIS.
• Provide high quality direct representation in immigration cases, as needed.
• In conjunction with the Immigration Program, participate in training our volunteer attorneys.
• Provide brief advice at our legal clinics, located throughout the community.
• Collaborate with client advocates to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes.
• Represent Volunteer Legal Advocates at meetings and collaborations with other organizations.
• NOTE: This position will be exclusively in our Immigration Program (where we represent survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other gender-based violence and vulnerable children seeking humanitarian immigration relief, including asylum, U visas, T visas, relief under VAWA, SIJS, and related relief options).

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other relevant duties as assigned. This description is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position as it is recognized that job duties may change over time, based on the needs of Volunteer Legal Advocates. You can work virtually but understand that onsite attendance in our D.C. office, court, and community locations is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active DC Bar membership or ability to become an active DC Bar member prior to first day of employment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience, preferably with a legal services organization that provides legal services to survivors of domestic violence.
• Experience supervising attorneys in a legal setting to ensure high quality work and a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Volunteer Legal Advocates has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$88,000. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b)-retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. We also provide a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid leave every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. Volunteer Legal Advocates employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. And Volunteer Legal Advocates attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

In addition to the functional skills in this job posting, the following physical abilities are representative of physical demands and environment essential to this position:

• Regular attendance at Volunteer Legal Advocates’ office.
• Ability to travel to court venues and community locations.
• The work environment has moderate noise (i.e., computers, phones, printers, and light traffic).

TO APPLY:

Volunteer Legal Advocates has a non-discrimination policy and encourages all interested and qualified applicants to apply regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other status protected by applicable law. Interested applicants should send a letter of intent and a resume to Sara Tennen at jobs@volunteerlegaladvocates.org.

Volunteer Legal Advocates has a positive and supportive work environment with an intentional focus on recruiting, nurturing, and retaining a talented and diverse staff. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance. Employees receive 90% employer-paid health and dental insurance and vision insurance is also available. Volunteer Legal Advocates sponsors a 403(b)-retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution. We also provide a tax-free stipend of $75 each month for personal cell phone and Wi-Fi expenses. Employees receive generous paid leave every year, including three weeks of vacation, three weeks of wellness leave, and 13 holidays. We offer a generous family leave policy for parents following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child. Volunteer Legal Advocates employees are also eligible to participate in the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information, see https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. And Volunteer Legal Advocates attorneys are eligible to participate in the DC Bar Foundation’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program. For more information, see www.dcbarfoundation.org/lrap.