Immigration Attorney

Women for Afghan Women (WAW); Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Women for Afghan Women is seeking an Immigration Attorney to provide direct legal assistance to clients and strategic guidance to leadership, working with the Senior Staff Attorney and Paralegals.

The role focuses on asylum, naturalization, family-based relief, and other immigration matters, with a caseload at the New York Community Center. It requires strong advocacy, research, and client communication in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school in the United States or abroad
• Admitted to the NY State Bar Association
• Minimum 2 years of experience with immigration and refugee law
• Demonstrated ability to learn complex areas of the law quickly
• Pragmatic approach to risk assessment and sensitivity
• Excellent organizational and program management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of the team
• Fluency in Dari, Pashto, and/or Urdu a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of pro bono immigration legal services at WAW’s New York Community Center
• Coordinate the intake and screening of new clients, assess eligibility for immigration relief, and determine appropriate legal services and next steps
• Prepare, review, and file immigration applications, petitions, motions, and supporting documentation accurately and within required deadlines
• Represent and prepare clients for USCIS interviews and other immigration-related appointments and proceedings
• Maintain an active caseload and ensure timely follow-up, accurate case notes, and complete and organized client files
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding the status of their cases, required documentation, upcoming deadlines, and potential legal options
• Conduct legal research and remain current on changes to immigration laws, policies, procedures, and practices that may affect WAW clients
• Work closely and collaboratively with caseworkers, educators, and other WAW staff to address clients’ legal and social service needs
• Provide immigration-related legal guidance and technical support to WAW staff when appropriate
• Ensure WAW’s legal services are fully compliant with all applicable laws, professional and ethical requirements, organizational policies, and grant requirements while protecting client confidentiality and best interests
• Assist with grant-related data collection, case tracking, reporting, and documentation related to immigration legal services
• Participate in community outreach, legal clinics, workshops, and educational presentations on immigration-related topics as needed
• The immediate caseload will include, but is not limited to, asylum, naturalization, adjustment of status, consular processing, K-1 visas, and replacement of immigration documents

Skills

Legal Research

Client Counseling

Dari/Pashto/Urdu language ability

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

JD or equivalent from an accredited law school (US or abroad)

Admitted to NY State Bar Association

Job description

WAW is a grassroots organization empowering Afghan women and girls in both Afghanistan and the U.S. to realize their full potential and advocate for their rights, while challenging societal norms to create lasting change and advance gender equality.

Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

Remote Days: Tuesday and Friday

In-Person: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Position Description and Responsibilities

WAW is recruiting an Immigration Attorney to provide direct legal assistance to WAW’s clients, as well as strategic legal advice to WAW’s leadership, if needed. The Immigration Attorney will work directly with the Senior Staff Attorney and Paralegals to provide counsel and assistance with ongoing cases and identify means of supporting Afghans currently seeking safety in the United States or elsewhere.

Duties of this position include but are not limited to

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of pro bono immigration legal services at WAW’s New York Community Center.
• Coordinate the intake and screening of new clients, assess eligibility for immigration relief, and determine appropriate legal services and next steps.
• Prepare, review, and file immigration applications, petitions, motions, and supporting documentation accurately and within required deadlines.
• Represent and prepare clients for USCIS interviews and other immigration-related appointments and proceedings, as appropriate.
• Maintain an active caseload and ensure timely follow-up, accurate case notes, and complete and organized client files.
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding the status of their cases, required documentation, upcoming deadlines, and potential legal options.
• Conduct legal research and remain current on changes to immigration laws, policies, procedures, and practices that may affect WAW clients.
• Work closely and collaboratively with caseworkers, educators, and other WAW staff to address clients’ legal and social service needs.
• Provide immigration-related legal guidance and technical support to WAW staff when appropriate.
• Ensure WAW’s legal services are fully compliant with all applicable laws, professional and ethical requirements, organizational policies, and grant requirements while protecting client confidentiality and best interests.
• Assist with grant-related data collection, case tracking, reporting, and documentation related to immigration legal services.
• Participate in community outreach, legal clinics, workshops, and educational presentations on immigration-related topics as needed.
• The immediate caseload will include, but is not limited to, asylum, naturalization, adjustment of status, consular processing, K-1 visas, and replacement of immigration documents.

Required Qualifications

• JD or equivalent from an accredited law school in the United States or abroad
• Admitted to the NY State Bar Association
• Minimum 2 years of experience with immigration and refugee law
• Demonstrated ability to learn complex areas of the law quickly
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equity, international human rights, immigration justice, and serving low-income, marginalized people of color is highly desired.
• Pragmatic approach to risk assessment and an ability to approach this legal work with an appropriate sense of urgency and sensitivity
• Excellent organizational and program management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of the team
• Openness to evolving responsibilities and a rapidly adapting workplace
• Access to and ability to activate networks of subject matter and legal experts to inform and shape the work a plus
• Fluency in Dari, Pashto, and/or Urdu a plus but not required

Compensation

$70,000-75,000 annually

Women for Afghan Women is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, socioeconomic status, marital or veteran status, pregnancy status or sexual orientation.