Immigration Attorney

Description:

Position Title: Immigration Attorney REPORTS TO: Director of Legal Programs HOURS/WEEK: 40 hours (Full-Time)

Salary: $75,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.

FLSA Definition: Exempt

Background:
Since 1993, SEPA Mujer has been a trusted advocate and resource for Latina immigrant women in Long Island, NY. As the only Latina Rights Organization in the region, SEPA Mujer provides a safe and empowering environment through leadership development, civic engagement, legal assistance, and advocacy. Our work encompasses a wide range of activities, including training sessions, workshops, monthly meetings, outreach events, and community mobilization efforts.

Position Summary:
SEPA Mujer is seeking a full-time Immigration Attorney with a strong commitment to social justice and experience working with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. The Immigration Attorney will be responsible for providing direct legal services, including representation in immigration matters such as VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, SIJS, naturalization, and TPS applications. The ideal candidate will work closely with the Director of Legal Programs to implement strategic initiatives, support community engagement efforts, and ensure high-quality legal services for SEPA Mujer's clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct legal representation to immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in immigration cases, including VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, SIJS, naturalization, and TPS applications.
• Conduct intakes, assess client eligibility for immigration relief, and provide legal consultations.
• Collaborate with the Director of Legal Programs to ensure the successful implementation of SEPA Mujer's legal initiatives.
• Assist in the development of legal strategies and participate in advocacy efforts related to immigrant and women's rights.
• Work in partnership with the other programs to support SEPA Mujer's holistic approach to community empowerment.
• Supervise and mentor legal interns and pro bono volunteers.
• Support the work of paralegals.
• Maintain accurate client records, case files, and data in compliance with grant and organizational requirements and support the preparation of grant reports.
• Conduct Know Your Rights Presentations, workshops, and trainings to community members and stakeholders.
• Represent SEPA Mujer at community events, workshops, and presentations on legal rights and services.
• Stay current on changes in immigration law and policy to ensure high-quality legal representation.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in New York State.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in immigration law, particularly working with survivors of gender-based violence (VAWA, U visas, T visas, SIJS).
• Strong commitment to social justice and the mission of SEPA Mujer.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supervising legal interns or volunteers.
• Familiarity with nonprofit legal services and community lawyering.
• Experience working with clients in sensitive matters related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
• Competence in using office applications, legal databases, and electronic research tools.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for community events and outreach.
• Reliable personal transportation.

Benefits And Perks:
SEPA Mujer is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the wellbeing and professional growth of our team. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide:

• Health Insurance: Coverage begins after three months of employment. • Vision and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for eligible employees. • Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Available for qualified expenses. • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays:
• 10 PTO days per year.
• Up to 5 additional sick leave days annually.
• 11 paid holidays each year.
• 5 additional PTO days as part of a Wellbeing/Self-Care package.
• Professional Development: Access to opportunities for growth and learning.
• Travel and Training Expenses: Covered by the organization.
• Mileage Reimbursement: For work-related travel.
• Work Environment: A dynamic, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere.
• Summer Schedule: Fridays off during summer, subject to annual approval by the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
• Holiday Vacation: The office is closed from December 24th to January 1st.

Salary: The annual salary ranges from $75,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.

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