Staff Attorney (Immigration Group)

($58,000 - $80,000)

TRLA is the nation’s second-largest legal aid provider and is nationally recognized for its high-quality, zealous, client-centered advocacy. With experts in over 45 civil and criminal practice areas, TRLA is uniquely equipped to deliver holistic legal services to address clients’ interconnected needs. TRLA also collaborates directly with local agencies and community partners, including domestic violence and sexual assault survivor centers to reach the most vulnerable members of our client population. TRLA attorneys are part of a community of frontline advocates across Texas and the South, delivering much needed legal assistance to clients residing in underserved rural and border communities.

Our immigration team provides direct and comprehensive legal services for noncitizens, with a focus on longtime residents and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, persecution and torture. TRLA’s immigration work in border communities like El Paso is particularly important because noncitizen residents of these communities face unique challenges. Those without lawful immigration status are cut off from the rest of the United States by internal immigration checkpoints, and they are particularly vulnerable to immigration enforcement and removal given the ubiquity of law enforcement in their communities and their physical proximity to the border.  

TRLA seeks a committed, empathetic attorney to join our vital work providing immigration legal services in El Paso.

DUTIES

• Provide screening, advice and counsel, and direct legal representation to particularly vulnerable residents of our service area in immigration legal matters before USCIS, AAO, EOIR and the BIA, including assisting clients in filing applications for U- nonimmigrant status, T- nonimmigrant status, relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), adjustment of status, acquired citizenship, and other forms of removal defense, as needed 

• Handle all aspects of a client’s case, including client communication, relevant research, drafting personal statements, preparing immigration forms and cover letters, writing briefs and motions, representing client in court, and advocacy with law enforcement and other agencies 

• Work collaboratively with a team of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and staff located throughout the TRLA service area 

• Maintain and establish relationships with community partners and immigration service providers 

• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, and trends in immigration law, particularly as they impact low-income non-citizens 

• Prepare and conduct relevant community outreach events and presentations 

• If experience level allows, undertake federal litigation, develop team and community resources, and/or mentor colleagues in immigration law and case handling