Description:
Summary Description: The staff attorney will provide high quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants. Responsibilities include representation and consultations for individuals in removal proceedings (detained and non-detained) and pro se assistance to individuals through various programs. Staff attorneys are also required to maintain program statistics, client database and files, and provide reports as required. Education and outreach to the immigrant community on various legal issues may also be required of the staff attorney. Changes in immigration policies and laws, and agency priorities may require changes in duties.Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate & conduct monthly legal presentations and pro se clinics for those facing deportation.
- Screen and provide in-office legal consultations to individuals who are in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).
- Screen individuals for potential relief through community outreach events, Know Your Rights events, clinics, in office walk-ins and/or referrals
- Represent eligible immigrants in bond and removal hearings before EOIR in San Antonio and in Pearsall, Texas
- Work collaboratively with the American Gateways team in developing and refining training materials, sample forms and documents, checklists, and other items needed for outreach and case preparation and pro se assistance
- Develop an expertise in asylum law to be available to answer questions from legal practitioners, community partners and relevant stakeholders regarding asylum work
- Provide live (virtual or in-person) and recorded trainings and outreach, as needed
- Mentor pro bono attorneys representing asylum seekers, including leading group meetings, and reviewing and providing feedback on pro bono asylum filings
- Identify, analyze, and respond to legal or procedural changes that affect asylum seekers
- Mentor support staff assisting in outreach events, clinics and pro se assistance work
- Provide monthly statistical reports of caseload and program activities.
- Assume other legal duties to meet any changing needs of agency as needed
- JD from accredited university
- Bar Admission in any US state (Texas preferred)
- Dedication to and experience serving low-income populations and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing social justice.
- 1-2 years of legal experience in immigration law, or in a non-profit organization serving low-income persons.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Education/Experience:
- Proficiency in another language
- Criminal Law background
- Immigration Clinic experience
- Immigration court experience
- Other court experience
- Full coverage health, dental/ vision insurance, with options for employee contribution to a deluxe plan.
- Full coverage for life insurance and short/long-term disability.
- Retirement benefits package
- Flexible Spending Account/Health Spending Account
- Paid time off, sick/medical leave, paid holidays plus a bonus extended holiday during the December holidays.
- Parental leave and bereavement leave.
- Employee training budget that renews yearly and coverage of bar dues
- Flexible hybrid workplan
- Sabbatical policy based on tenure at the organization
Work Hours: This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position.
Hybrid Work Plan: This position will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location. Travel is required to detention facilities, Immigration Court and any other locations needed.
Term: This position has received an initial funding commitment of 24 months but will continue if funding is secured.
