Description:
Role: The
staff attorney's work will consist of representing unaccompanied
children in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Court and in
affirmative applications before 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 before
State Courts. Further, a portion of the attorney's time and caseload
will be devoted to advising and representing immigrant survivors of
domestic violence before the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Court
in obtaining protective orders and renewing protective orders.
Responsibilities:
The Immigration Attorney will have all the responsibilities set out below:
- Provide direct legal representation to IJP clients and mentoring to IJP pro bono attorneys;
- In the direct representation function, perform ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies;and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits.
- In the pro bono mentoring function, provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted an IJP case.
- Provide legal representation to client survivors of domestic violence seeking a Domestic Violence Protective Order or No Contact Order pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 50B and 50C.
- Supervise interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including:
- Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.
- Maintain a caseload that is adequate to ensure IJP grant obligations are met as directed by the IJP Program Co-Directors and Senior Supervising Atorney. Actively build relationships between IJP and the pro bono community.
- In coordination with the IJP Program Co-Directors and the Senior Supervising Atorney, as needed, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present training to pro bono attorneys and community groups.
- Contribute to overall office functioning, including actively participating in CCLA and IJP-wide calls and meetings, IJP clinics/events, and assist with office wide events.
- Maintain and develop skills and knowledge by attending training and ensure licensure and certifications are up to date as needed for the role.
- Other tasks as directed.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
- Graduation from law school; law license with NC licensure or eligibility for NC comity;
- Demonstrated commitment to the poor;
- Strong communication 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.
