Immigration Attorney - CCS

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (Clinic); Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) seeks an Immigration Attorney to provide high-quality representation to refugees, immigrants, and migrants.

The attorney will appear in immigration court, file affirmative and defensive applications, and mentor staff, interns, and pro bono volunteers in a mission-driven program serving vulnerable clients. Requirements include a JD, active license (Utah preferred), experience in immigration court, and strong research, writing, and Spanish-language

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited university.
• Active law license; Utah license preferred.
• Demonstrated experience representing clients in immigration court proceedings.
• Intermediate Spanish language proficiency to read/write work-related documents and communicate with clients.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to confidentiality and cultural humility when serving clients.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients before EOIR, USCIS, and BIA.
• Prepare and file affirmative and defensive immigration applications.
• Screen potential clients for eligibility for CCS legal services.
• Direct and guide legal staff and interns in case work.
• Track and report client outcomes per grant and contract requirements.
• Collaborate with CCS staff attorneys on assigned projects including asylum work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Immigration law

Legal research

Legal writing

Client counseling

Spanish language

Court representation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Client database software

Job description

As the Immigration Attorney, you will provide high-quality legal representation to refugees, immigrants, and migrants navigating the immigration system, including individuals in removal proceedings. Working as part of a collaborative team of attorneys and legal staff, you will represent clients before immigration courts and federal agencies, file affirmative and defensive applications, and guide legal assistants, student interns, and pro bono attorneys in support of the program's work. This role is built for an attorney with experience in immigration court proceedings who is ready to help contribute to a mission-driven legal team serving some of our community's most vulnerable members.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
• Prepare and file affirmative and defensive immigration applications on behalf of clients.
• Screen and consult with potential clients to determine eligibility for CCS legal services.
• Direct and provide guidance to legal assistants, student interns, and pro bono attorneys in support of case work. T
• rack and report client outcomes in accordance with grant and contract requirements.
• Collaborate with CCS staff attorneys and legal staff on assigned projects, which may include providing legal services to migrants seeking asylum.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position works primarily in an office environment, with regular appearances at immigration court, USCIS offices, and other legal or administrative venues. Local travel is required; occasional travel for conferences or training may occur. The role involves extended periods of sitting, computer work, and document review, as well as periods of standing and speaking during hearings and presentations.

This position operates at the intersection of high-stakes legal practice and team leadership in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The work involves representing clients in complex immigration proceedings, many of whom have experienced trauma, persecution, and significant instability. Staff in this role must exercise sound independent legal judgment, manage competing deadlines across a full caseload and supervisory responsibilities, and maintain composure and professionalism in high-pressure situations. The ability to lead and support a team while remaining an effective practitioner is essential.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited university.
• Active law license, (Utah license preferred).
• Demonstrated experience representing clients in immigration court proceedings.
• Intermediate Spanish language proficiency, sufficient to read and write work-related documents, participate in meetings, and communicate with clients and coworkers.
• Thorough knowledge of immigration law; applicants should not require training in how to litigate an immigration case.
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Understanding of grant program requirements, including the ability to track hours and maintain accountability for time spent on cases.
• Ability to work independently, manage a demanding caseload, and meet competing deadlines with professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft 365 and client database technology for case file management and documentation.
• Sensitivity, compassion, and cultural humility when working with clients navigating complex and unfamiliar legal and immigration systems.
• Commitment to the mission of the program and the agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with refugee, immigrant, or asylum-seeking populations.
• Experience in a nonprofit or community-based legal services setting.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a national BCI/FBI background check.
• Must maintain a valid Utah driver's license, be at least 21 years of age, and meet CCS vehicle safety standards.
• Must maintain current automobile insurance with minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident. T
• his position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility for evenings and weekends as case and court schedules require. This position requires in-person client interaction and cannot be performed fully remotely.

DISCLAIMER

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to include every duty or responsibility. CCS reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.