Immigration Attorney

Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles: Interfaith Refugee & Immigration Service (IRIS)

 Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service (“IRIS”) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that offers refugee resettlement assistance, employment placement services and immigration legal aid. IRIS is a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and the Southern California based affiliate office of three national agencies: Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), Church World Service (CWS) and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). IRIS is dedicated to providing a gracious welcome as well as tangible tools and connections to help new arrivals achieve self-sufficiency in the United States. IRIS works to enhance the quality of life of all of our clients, expand community awareness of clients’ needs, to develop partnerships with other organizations to help our clients, and to advocate on the local, state and national level for refugee and immigrant needs and rights.

Definition

The individual in this position is the primary contact for IRIS’ immigration legal services department. This individual is responsible for immigration screening, counsel, managing client files and keeping clients informed on the status of their cases. This position is also responsible for the preparation and filing of various immigration applications and petitions; documents; and liaising with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (“USCIS”). Job Location Position will be based out of the IRIS office located at 3621 Brunswick Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039. The job also entails traveling to and from community meetings, USCIS offices and some evening and weekend group processing workshops.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Conduct individual client interviews and follow-up appointments;

• Prepare various immigration filings, documents, applications, packets and liaising with the USCIS;

• Prepare all legal documents, including (but not limited to) briefs, petitions, motions, applications and appeals;

• Coordinate and manage caseload of IRIS – assign client case numbers and manage client log;

• Participate in community awareness and outreach efforts as needed, including group processing events;

• Maintain grant reporting data on clients and services;

• Prepare and submit reports to program funders;

• Participate in relevant immigration training in order to keep current with immigration laws and regulations;

• Maintain professional contacts in local and national immigration community, as well as attend immigration taskforce and USCIS monthly meetings;

• Be responsible for ensuring strict client confidentiality; and • Other duties as assigned. Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school; • Admission to California State Bar preferred;

• Experience in citizenship and general family based immigration law including: Citizenship, Adjustment of Status, Family Petitions, Employment Authorization and DACA;

• Strong writing, research, communication, leadership and analytical skills;

• Fully bilingual, including reading and writing, in English and Spanish is strongly preferred (Armenian and Farsi will also be considered);

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and experience in working with client database systems is preferred;

• Ability to work well with people of diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds;

• Previous experience with data collection and grant reporting a plus;

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation needed; and

• Ability to work independently and as a team player – flexible, energetic, friendly and responsible.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will supervise IRIS’s Immigration Program Assistant and work with IRIS’ Volunteer Coordinator for citizenship workshops and clinics, and will be supervised by IRIS’ Executive Director.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full time position with compensation being commensurate with experience. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health (full medical, dental and vision coverage), employee assistance program, short and long term disability coverage, group life policy, unemployment insurance, retirement plan and generous vacation/holiday policy.