Description:

Who we are:
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, a non-profit provider of civil legal assistance to low-income persons in the Charlote region, seeks a staff attorney for its Immigrant Justice Program ("IJP") to provide legal advice and representation in immigration matters and to participate in other IJP advocacy activities, www.CharloteLegalAdvocacy.org.

Role:
The attorney's work will consist of representing unaccompanied children in removal proceedings and in affirmative applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"). In connection with these immigration matters, the attorney will represent the sponsors and/or other caregivers of unaccompanied children in child custody proceedings.

Responsibilities:
The attorney will have all the responsibilities set out below:
  • Provide direct legal representation to clients in immigration and related state court proceedings, with forms of relief including SIJS, Asylum, and humanitarian relief (U Visa, VAWA, T Visa, etc.)
  • Conduct legal research, develop case strategies, and prepare filings and applications.
  • Appear before Immigration Court, State Court, Asylum office, Board of Immigration of Appeals, and other administrative agencies.
  • Maintain accurate case notes and manage case files in accordance with program protocols and rules of professional responsibility.
  • Mentor and guide pro bono attorneys with case assistance (i.e. reviewing case facts and helping identify legal issues, focusing on strategy, etc.) and technical support, as needed.
  • Assist with developing and delivering training materials for pro bono attorneys and community partners.
  • Supervise and mentor pro bono attorneys, interns, and support staff, ensuring quality and consistency in casework.
  • Maintain a caseload aligned with grant requirements and program goals.
  • Provide detailed reporting statistics on each case mentored and represented directly.
  • Participate in team meetings, network calls, clinic events, organizational initiatives, and community outreach opportunities.
  • Maintain and develop skills and knowledge by attending training and ensure licensure and certifications are current as needed for the role.
  • Work under the supervision of the IJP co-directors and senior supervising attorney.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
  • J.D. Degree and admission to the North Carolina State Bar;
  • Experience with Family or Immigration Law is a plus;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the poor and underrepresented;
  • Strong written, communication, organizational, and analytical ability;
  • Strong interest in both individual and systemic advocacy;
  • Self-motivated, creative, and dependable;
  • Trauma informed;
  • Team player;
  • Detail oriented;
  • Spanish fluency is preferred;

Work Schedule:
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy supports a hybrid work schedule with core work hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Salary:
This position is a full-time salary, exempt position. The annual salary range begins at $57,645. and may vary depending upon experience and skills.

Reports to:
Co-Directors of Immigrant Justice Program

Benefits:
The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy offers a generous leave and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage at 100% for employees, 22 paid days of General Leave increasing proportionately with tenure; 12 paid holidays and 100% employer-paid professional liability. Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy also offers parental leave; life insurance; long and short-term disability insurance; a salary reduction option for a flexible spending account or health savings account; and North Carolina and Mecklenburg County Bar Dues in addition to opportunities for Continuing Legal Education.

Reasonable Accommodation:
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Is Committed to The Full Inclusion of All Qualified Individuals. as Part of This Commitment, It Is the Policy of The Advocacy Center to Provide Reasonable Accommodation when Requested by A Qualified Applicant or Employee with A Disability, Unless Such Accommodation Would Cause Undue Hardship. the Policy Regarding Requests for Reasonable Accommodation Applies to All Aspects of Employment, Including the Application Process. if Reasonable Accommodation Is Needed, Please Reach out To Careers@charlottelegaladvocacy.Org.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Provides Equal Employment Opportunities to All Employees and Applicants for Employment and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Type without Regard to Race, Color, Religion, Age, Sex, National Origin, Disability Status, Genetics, Protected Veteran Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, or Any Other Characteristic Protected by Federal, State, or Local Laws. This Policy Applies to All Terms and Conditions of Reemployment, Including Recruiting, Hiring, Placement, Promotion, Termination, Layoff, Recall, Transfer, Leaves of Absence, Compensation, and Training.

Apply:
Applicants Should Send a Resume and A Detailed Letter Explaining Your Interest and Qualifications for This Role and Organization, Describe Qualifications for This Program, Experience Working with Low-Income Individuals and Survivors of Trauma, Spanish Language Proficiency, and Other Relevant Information.

Include the Names, Telephone Numbers, and Email Addresses of Three (3) References. Please Ensure that At Least One of Your References Is Someone Who Has Supervised or Managed Your Work.