Description:

The Staff Attorney will work with the team to provide direct representation and release planning to detained individuals in immigration removal proceedings and custody redetermination hearings.

The Staff Attorney represents individuals with cutting edge asylum issues and provides direct representation to both detained and released individuals in removal proceedings with serious mental health conditions who have been found incompetent to represent themselves.? Requires frequent visits to detention facilities in Eloy and Florence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Direct Representation:

Provide advocacy and assistance developing and connecting clients to services in the community.
Federal court representation that may include a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus before the District Court, or a Petition for Review to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Comply with office and program requirements to track data and case progress.
Assist with mentoring newer Florence Project attorneys in removal and bond matters.
Occasionally assist with other Florence Project legal duties to assist with coverage.

Casework

Provide legal representation in cases retained through vetting referred intakes and in cases appointed to FIRRP. Legal representation includes representation in immigration proceedings and custody redetermination hearings before the Immigration Court, representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and other related services reasonably necessary to complete these proceedings.
Provide pre-court counseling sessions.
Develop and recommend case strategy consistent with immigration law and procedure to Managing Attorney. Implement agreed upon strategy.
Prepare cases, draft legal papers, present required evidence, and engage in negotiations, in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
Conduct assessment of client's social, economic, and psychological functioning.
Determine appropriate range of services, interventions and referrals needed.
Attend all team meetings, trainings, and is well versed.
Remain current in immigration law, and on implications of criminal and civil law.
Complies with required ethical standards, preserves client confidentiality, and avoids conflict of interest.
Maintain complete and accurate case notes and client records.
Prepare timely statistical reports.
Conduct quarterly case audits for presentation and review.
Participate in training on immigration procedures and may conduct training sessions as assigned.

Advocacy

Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local and national community partners, including but not limited to private immigration attorneys, public officials, law enforcement officials, and other non-profits that provide services to the immigrant population.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with the Immigration Court (EOIR), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations, and community organizations.
Communicate with the Managing Attorney about possible advocacy initiatives and legal trainings for the community.
Support Florence Project outreach and development activities as needed.
Perform other administrative duties as needed.

Advocacy

Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local and national community partners, including but not limited to private immigration attorneys, public officials, law enforcement officials, and other non-profits that provide services to the immigrant population.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with the Immigration Court (EOIR), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations, and community organizations.
Communicate with the Managing Attorney about possible advocacy initiatives and legal trainings for the community.
Support Florence Project outreach and development activities as needed.
Perform other administrative duties as needed.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

Participate in organizational fundraising and outreach efforts as requested.
Participate in developing and implementing special projects or presentations.
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

J.D. and admission to any state bar.
Must be licensed to practice law in any state or jurisdiction (or willing to take Arizona bar exam), or eligible to waive into practice in Arizona (have two years of good standing in another state bar or have received a score of 273 or greater on the Universal Bar Exam).
Demonstrate commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way.
Demonstrate a zealous support of the Florence Project's mission.
Must be comfortable working with people with criminal convictions.
Strong litigation experience and/or oral advocacy skills.
Strong legal research.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Highly organized, an innovative thinker, and work in high-volume settings with limited resources.
Excellent problem solving, research and analytical skills.
Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Demonstrate to be a hardworking, flexible, respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client centered work environment.
Ability to work independently, be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, pressure, crisis or changing priorities.
Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must be able to pass federal and state background checks.
Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required.
Travel is required for this position.
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications.

Preferred Requirements:

2+ years of minimum experience providing direct representation to immigrants removal proceedings, and extensive knowledge of immigration law, specifically deportation defense, asylum, and criminal-immigration law issues is strongly preferred.
2 years of prior experience practicing before the Arizona Courts, the Immigration Courts, or USCIS is strongly preferred.
Prior experience working with trauma survivors or individuals with mental health issues is a plus.
Prior advocacy work in immigrant rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights, criminal justice, or experience working with trauma survivors is a plus.
Experience with databases and data tracking (i.e., Legal Server) is a plus.