Staff Attorney

Jobtailor; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Florence Project is seeking an immigration attorney to lead the Children’s Program, representing unaccompanied immigrant children before the Immigration Court, BIA, Arizona Juvenile Courts, and USCIS. The attorney will oversee case assignments, conduct intakes, and provide Know Your Rights information, while advancing advocacy and collaboration with partners.

The role requires a J.D. and Arizona bar admission (or plan to pursue ALAP/UBE pathway), Spanish proficiency, strong research and advocacy

Qualifications

• J.D. and bar admission in any state are required.
• Graduate from ABA-accredited law school for ALAP eligibility.
• UBE score 260–269 and commitment to AZ bar admission is required or pursued.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation in Children’s Program cases before Immigration Court, BIA, AZ Juvenile Courts, and USCIS.
• Oversee case assignments and support workflow for legal team.
• Conduct intake interviews and provide Know Your Rights information to detained and non-detained unaccompanied immigrant children.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Legal research

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. and admission to state bar

ABA-accredited law school for ALAP eligibility

UBE score 260-269

Tools

Legal Server

Basic office applications

Job description

• Provide legal representation in Children's Program cases
• Represent clients before Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, Arizona Juvenile Courts, and USCIS
• Handle challenging casework and appeals
• Oversee case assignments and support legal assistant workflow
• Conduct intake interviews and provide Know Your Rights information to detained and non-detained unaccompanied immigrant children
• Develop and recommend case strategies consistent with immigration law and procedure
• Prepare cases, draft legal papers, present evidence, and engage in negotiations
• Assess clients' social, economic, and psychological functioning
• Collaborate with Children's Program social workers and make appropriate referrals
• Determine appropriate services, interventions, and referrals
• Attend team meetings and training
• Remain current on immigration law and policy and the impact of criminal and civil law on immigration cases
• Maintain ethical standards, client confidentiality, and conflict-free representation
• Maintain accurate case notes and client records
• Prepare data reports and conduct periodic case audits
• Participate in and conduct training sessions on immigration procedures
• Provide Know Your Rights presentations and follow-up support
• Appear as a Friend of the Court before Immigration Court (EOIR)
• Liaise with children's detention shelters
• Develop cooperative relationships with legal, governmental, social-service, and community partners
• Maintain professional relationships with EOIR, Arizona Juvenile Courts, USCIS, and community organizations
• Communicate with the Managing Attorney about advocacy initiatives and legal training
• Support advocacy, outreach, development, fundraising, and special projects
• Perform administrative duties and other assigned legal work, including possible support for the Adult Legal Program or Advocacy Team

Requirements

• J.D. and admission to any state bar
• Alternatively, law school graduates who have taken the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and achieved a score of 260-269 may apply, with commitment to pursue admission to the Arizona State Bar through the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP)
• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school for ALAP eligibility
• UBE score of 260-269 on an exam administered after July 1, 2023, for ALAP eligibility
• Meet all other requirements for admission to practice law in Arizona, including a thorough background check
• Secure qualifying employment and commit to practice under supervision of a qualified Arizona attorney in rural Arizona or public law practice for a minimum of two years
• If not licensed in Arizona, commitment to waive into Arizona practice after two years of bar licensure in any jurisdiction under Arizona Rule 38(f), or apply through ALAP
• Commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients respectfully and empoweringly
• Comfortable working with people with criminal convictions or mental health issues
• Commitment to Florence Project's mission
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Strong legal research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations
• Highly organized, innovative thinker, and able to work in high-volume settings with limited resources
• Excellent problem-solving, research, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Hardworking, flexible, respectful team player able to work collaboratively in a client-centered environment
• Ability to work independently and remain adaptable and reliable amid conflict, pressure, crisis, or changing priorities
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to pass federal and state background checks
• Willingness and ability to travel
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Proven computer skills and advanced understanding of basic office applications
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required
• License to practice in Arizona preferred
• Experience practicing before Arizona Juvenile Courts, Immigration Courts, or USCIS strongly preferred
• Prior experience working with children/teenagers, trauma survivors, or individuals with mental health issues is a plus
• Experience representing immigrants in removal proceedings and extensive knowledge of immigration law, including deportation defense, asylum, and criminal-immigration law issues, strongly preferred
• Prior advocacy work in immigrant rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights, or criminal justice, or experience working with trauma survivors, is a plus
• Experience with databases and data tracking such as Legal Server is a plus
• Ability to sit for long periods with intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, pulling, and pushing
• Ability to use standard office equipment
• Ability to lift up to ten pounds; accommodations may be available

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in immigration law and procedures, with a strong commitment to advocating for unaccompanied immigrant children. Capable of managing complex casework, conducting legal research, and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• J.D. Degree
• Admission To State Bar
• Immigration Law Expertise
• Fluency In Spanish
• Experience With Arizona Juvenile Courts

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Legal Research
• Case Preparation
• Drafting Legal Papers
• Data Tracking
• Client Advocacy
• Negotiation
• Intake Interviews
• Case Audits
• Knowledge Of Immigration Procedures
• Understanding Of Criminal-Immigration Law

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Admission To Arizona State Bar (Preferred)
• Uniform Bar Examination Score (260-269)

Industry Keywords

• Children's Program
• Immigration Court
• Board Of Immigration Appeals
• USCIS
• Indigent Immigrant Clients
• Trauma Survivors
• Human Rights Advocacy
• LGBTQ Rights
• Criminal Justice
• Client Confidentiality

Tools & Technologies

• Legal Server
• Basic Office Applications