Description:
Current Opening:The immigration staff attorney will provide legal representation on a wide range of immigration matters both before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (“EOIR”) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The staff attorney provides legal support for active A Community Center campaigns. The position will be partially remote with work conducted in one of our offices in Elizabeth, Passaic or Perth Amboy
Key Responsibilities but not limited to:
- Provide individualized assistance to clients currently in removal proceedings or eligible for immigration relief, in a broad range of categories including SIJ, Asylum, U/T Nonimmigrant Status, VAWA, Cancellation of Removal, adjustment of status, and naturalization, including representing individuals in immigration, family and federal district court as well as before USCIS. This position will have a particular emphasis on representing unaccompanied children;
- Manage active caseload as determined by department and annual goals, and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying/scanning applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in Legal Server or other case management systems;
- Conduct initial consultations and intake appointments with clients, performing legal analysis of facts, making determinations on when to retain clients for representation, and maintaining client contact with active clients and other parties. Counsel clients on risks and benefits of various case strategies;
- Translate documents or secure translations as necessary, and secure interpretation assistance, as necessary;
- Work with A Community Center's Social Worker to meet clients' social service needs;
- Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship and other legal clinics;
- Represent A Community Center on panels, at conferences, and at events, as the need arises;
- Provide policy support and legal advice to A Community Center's community organizing campaigns including drafting legislation, creating one-pagers for organizing and community, drafting memos of support or opposition, coordinating with coalitions, legal research and drafting for impact litigation, advocating for legislation with elected officials.
- Participate in some organizing and organization-wide events;
- Participate in team and department meetings and assist with grant reports;
- Participate in ongoing CLE and other trainings related to areas of immigration law;
- Apply movement lawyering principles and other critical concepts that underscore our organizational approach to building power, such as racialized capitalism.
Requirements:
- Eligible to work in the US;
- Fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine, required;
- At least 1 year of immigration legal practice experience, which may include clinic and/or legal internships;
- Membership in good standing in the bar of New Jersey;
- J.D. from an accredited university;
- Proficiency (fluency preferred) in Spanish;
- Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice and community lawyering, and an understanding of the challenges facing low-wage workers, immigrant communities, and communities of color;
- Interest in supporting community organizing, campaigns, and policy and advocacy initiatives;
- Desire to work collaboratively;
- Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.