Staff Attorney

U.S. Comm For Refuge; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is seeking a Staff Attorney, UAC Legal Services, to provide direct legal services to unaccompanied children in ORR care. Responsibilities include legal orientations, consultations, and direct representation in immigration matters, including court hearings and relief applications.

The role requires a D. of Law, active bar membership, 2–3 years of immigration experience, and Spanish proficiency.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission in good standing.
• Minimum 2–3 years of immigration law experience.
• Experience with UAC and shelter-based clients is preferred.
• Spanish proficiency and strong research/writing skills are essential.
• Commitment to USCRI’s values and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal orientations for UAC in shelters and provide consultations.
• Direct representation of UAC in immigration matters and hearings.
• Handle cases including SIJS, asylum, T/U visas, VAWA, TPS, and EADs.
• Prepare motions, terminations, and other relief requests as needed.
• Maintain case files, data reporting, and collaboration with partners.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Spanish proficiency

Immigration law

Court representation

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), established in 1911, is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit international organization dedicated to addressing the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants. USCRI, working with nearly 200 affiliates, provides legal, social, and health services to refugees, unaccompanied migrating children, trafficking survivors, and other immigrants in all 50 states, El Salvador, Honduras, Kenya, and Mexico. USCRI advocates for the rights of refugees and immigrants both nationally and globally, helping to drive humanitarian policies, practices, and law. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

Staff Attorney, UAC Legal Services, supports the newly awarded contract from ORR to provide direct legal services to UAC (Unaccompanied Alien Children) who are currently in ORR care. Tasks included are legal orientations, legal consultations, direct legal representation, data collection, analysis and reporting.

The Staff Attorney will oversee legal orientations, provide legal consultations and direct legal representation to UAC in ORR care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Orientation/Legal Consultations

• Oversee legal orientations, which are presentations concerning the rights and responsibilities of UAC in the immigration system. These will occur in shelters where children are located.
• Conduct legal consultations: meet with UAC and assess options related to their legal case.
• Direct Representation of UAC
• Provide direct legal representation to UAC who are currently in ORR care and who have not left the United States.
• Representation will include but is not limited to:
  • Immigration Court Representation: including Master Calendar Hearings, Individual Hearings, Motions (Motions to Continue, Motions to Terminate, Motions to Change Venue, etc.), Voluntary Departure
  • SIJS
  • Asylum, Affitative and Defensive
  • T visas
  • U visas
  • VAWA
  • Adjustment of Status
  • TPS
  • EADs

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

REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with a state bar
• Minimum 2-3 years of immigration legal experience
• Prior experience working with children and/or youth
• Excellent legal research, writing, and editing skills
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience representing individuals, preferably UAC, in removal proceedings
• Spanish proficiency
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills
• Demonstrated support for USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintaining confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

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

• References will be required at time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.
• Work Location: In-person.

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.