Staff Attorney

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI); Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is looking for an experienced bilingual immigration attorney to provide professional legal services to foreign national victims of human trafficking. The attorney will conduct intakes, prepare immigration applications, and represent clients before immigration agencies.

Ideal candidates should have a J.D., at least two years of immigration law experience, and be proficient in MS Office. This position is based in Detroit, Michigan and requires excellent interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• At least two (2) years of experience practicing immigration law.
• Flexibility for frequent evening and weekend work.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conducting intakes and providing legal consultations.
• Preparing and submitting immigration applications for various statuses.
• Representing clients before immigration agencies and courts.
• Conducting outreach and leading training activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Spanish fluency

Demonstrated intercultural communication ability

Proficiency in MS Word

Proficiency in MS Excel

Proficiency in MS Access

Database management

Education

J.D. with a valid license to practice law

Member of the State Bar preferred

Job description

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating, and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org.

Overview

USCRI has received federal funding through the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to provide culturally appropriate and trauma‑informed pro bono case management and legal services to foreign national victims of human trafficking in both the Detroit metropolitan area and Austin, Texas, for a three‑year grant period. The program is called STARS: Surviving Trauma and Reaching Success. USCRI seeks to hire an experienced bilingual immigration attorney who can professionally conduct the duties and responsibilities listed herein throughout the duration of the grant period at an office located in or nearby Detroit, Michigan.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conducting intakes and providing legal consultations to determine eligibility for legal relief;
• Preparing and submitting immigration applications for the following:
  • Asylum
  • T and U Visas
  • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
  • VAWA
  • TPS
  • Naturalization
  • Adjustment of Status
  • Work Authorization
• Making appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners;
• Representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals;
• Conducting outreach, leading trainings, and participating in networking activities;
• Maintaining bar membership through continuing legal education; and
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Attorney.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

Requirements

• J.D. with a valid license to practice law, member of the State Bar preferred;
• At least two (2) years of experience practicing immigration law;
• Ability to commute to the office on a daily basis throughout the work week;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong writing and demonstrated intercultural communication ability;
• Spanish fluency preferred;
• High-level of proficiency in MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel and database programs;
• Flexibility for frequent evening and weekend work;
• Positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team and also work independently is desirable; and
• Demonstrated commitment to immigration, social justice, and human rights.

Training Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Such accommodations must be requested by the applicant to be considered.

Additional Notes

• Please submit a resume with a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
• References will be required at time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.