Staff Immigration Attorney

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights in Washington D.C. is seeking a Staff Attorney focused on detention facility services and representation in immigration cases. The role involves overseeing visits to detention facilities, managing legal representation for detained individuals, and participating in various organizational services.

The ideal candidate should have a JD or Full DOJ Accreditation, Spanish proficiency, and experience in immigration law. Responsibilities also include conducting Know-Your-Rights presentations and mentoring pro bono attorneys.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant experience, ideally in immigration law.
• Ability to manage a docket of detained removal defense cases.
• Must have written and oral Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead visits to detention facilities and conduct Know-Your-Rights presentations.
• Manage legal representation for detained clients during removal proceedings.
• Coordinate training and advocacy efforts with the Amica Center.

Skills

Spanish proficiency

Trial advocacy skills

Immigration law knowledge

Case management

Education

JD or Full DOJ Accreditation

Job description

The Know Your Rights (KYR) /Direct Rep Staff Attorney will primarily focus on detention facility services, representation and organizational services in our Detained Adults program.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Detention Facility Services:

• Plan and lead visits to government detention facilities throughout Virginia (approximately 2-4 full days per month, including 2-day overnight visits), including oversight and supervision of staff and volunteers during visits and assistance in preparation and breakdown from visits.
• Perform Know-Your-Rights presentations and pro se workshops in Spanish, English, and (with interpretation) other languages to help detained individuals navigate the immigration court system. Coordinate efforts to ensure every newly arrived person at the detention center has the opportunity to attend presentations. Assist in adapting presentations and workshops to respond to changes in the law and legal needs of the people we work with in detention.
• Liaise with external partners at law schools, non-profit organizations, and firms in coordination with pro bono coordinating attorney for the purpose of securing and furthering access to legal services for detained individuals.
• Identify and track trends and emerging issues faced by the people we work with in detention affecting their immigration cases. Coordinate with others in the organization to help detained people respond to and access better information on issues. Make appropriate referrals and provide necessary insight to in-house and external teams working on responding to the emergent issues identified.

Representation:

• Manages caseload of direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings primarily before the Annandale, Hyattsville, and Elizabeth Immigration Courts and other courts as needed. This includes representation in cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Cancellation of Removal.
• Provide expert mentoring to outside pro bono attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis.
• Prepare Post Release Plans and social service plans, in coordination with social services staff.
• Research, engage, and prepare experts on health, behavioral health, and country conditions.
• Supervise and coordinate with paralegal staff on case support.

Organizational Services:

• Actively engage in Amica Center’s training and advocacy efforts, as needed.
• Take part in stakeholder relationship activities as needed, including in-person and telephonic meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives (including ICE, jail and court officials), and other legal service providers.
• Coordinate with all internal Amica Center Programs (e.g., Impact Lab, Representation Programs,) to ensure all programs are kept abreast of detention developments, clients, and referrals.
• Undertake own administrative functions, including for case and follow up work (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings) and ensuring the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion.
• Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low-bandwidth periods.

Qualifications Required:

• JD or Full DOJ Accreditation and 1 -3 years of relevant experience with at least one year of immigration law preferred.
• Written and oral Spanish proficiency required, fluency preferred.
• Ability to manage a docket of detained removal defense cases.
• Strong trial advocacy skills preferred.
• It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act.