Staff Attorney (2 openings)
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The staff attorney will provide high quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants throughout Central Texas. Responsibilities include representing immigrants who qualify for VAWA, U visas, T visas, representation and consultations for potential asylum seekers, Family Based clients, those detained by ICE, and other immigrants who may qualify for immigration relief. Staff attorneys are also required to maintain program statistics, client databases 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 may require changes in staff attorneys’ responsibilities.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• In-office consultation for clients including: VAWA, U visa, T visa, asylum, detention and removal, and any other applicable relief.
• Screen immigrants in detention (T Don. Hutto Residential Center) for eligibility for services provided by AG including U & T visa
• Provide Know Your Rights presentations and Workshops at the T Don Hutto Residential Center
• Represent eligible immigrants in petitioning for U & T visas, and in bond and removal hearings and before US CIS
• Mentor pro bono attorneys representing clients
• Participate in community education and outreach activities as needed
• Maintain client databases and caseload, as determined with supervisor
• Provide monthly statistical reports of caseload and program activities
• Assist other attorneys and BIA representatives as needed
• Other duties as needed
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
• Dedication to and experience in serving low income populations and social justice generally
• One – Two 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 REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:
• JD from accredited university
• Bar Admission in any US state (Texas preferred) PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• Proficiency in any other language
• Criminal Law background
• Immigration clinic experience
• Immigration court experience
• Other court experience
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance, and generous leave benefits. American Gateways is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all are encouraged to apply.
Please send cover letter, resume, writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and 3 professional references to americangateways@gmail.com. For more information about American Gateways and our work, please visit www.americangateways.org.