Staff Attorney

Esperanza; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) seeks a compassionate Staff Attorney to provide direct immigration legal services to individuals and families navigating complex immigration matters, representing clients before USCIS, EOIR, and related agencies.

Based in North Philadelphia, EILS operates a trauma-informed, community-centered model, partnering with community groups to promote dignity and justice for immigrant communities.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school required.
• Admission to a state bar (Pennsylvania preferred).
• 2+ years minimum experience with affirmative and defensive immigration filings.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in immigration court proceedings and USCIS interviews.
• Conduct client intakes, legal screenings, and consultations.
• Prepare and file applications, motions, briefs, affidavits, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate case files and case management records.
• Collaborate with staff, community partners, pro bono attorneys, and interns.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Bar admission (PA preferred)

Job description

Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) seeks a compassionate and dedicated Staff Attorney to provide direct immigration legal services to individuals and families navigating complex immigration matters. The Staff Attorney will represent clients before USCIS, EOIR, and related agencies while working within a collaborative, traumainformed, and community-centered legal services model.

EILS is a community-based nonprofit providing high-quality, culturally responsive immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and their families in North Philadelphia. Rooted in community partnerships and holistic advocacy, EILS works to promote dignity, stability, and justice for immigrant communities.

Requirements

• Provide full-scope representation in immigration matters, which may include asylum (affirmative and defensive), family-based petitions, cancellation of removal, VAWA, U/T visas, TPS, DACA, and adjustment of status
• Conduct client intakes, legal screenings, and consultations
• Prepare and file applications, motions, briefs, affidavits, and supporting documentation
• Represent clients in immigration court proceedings and USCIS interviews
• Maintain accurate case files and case management records
• Participate in legal clinics, community education workshops, and outreach events
• Collaborate with staff, community partners, pro bono attorneys, and interns
• Uphold ethical standards and contribute to a respectful, mission-driven workplace

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to a state bar (Pennsylvania preferred)
• 2+ years minimum experience with affirmative and defensive immigration filings
• Eligible to practice immigration law before EOIR
• Commitment to immigrant justice and public interest law
• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage deadlines and a full caseload independently
• Spanish fluency required (other languages a plus)

Salary Description 70,000-80,000