Full-Time Staff Attorney – Memphis, TN or Murfreesboro, TN

The mission of Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) is to fight for the dignity, safety, and inclusion of immigrants in the United States, especially those most marginalized, through legal representation and advocacy. We fight for the rights of immigrants but also for the expansion of those rights to ensure that all people are equally protected by the laws of the United States. AIR seeks to create structural and systemic change by coordinating with other legal service providers and community-based organizations to complement our skills and build our mutual capacity. Our service model inherently provides for relationships that will propel our work and the work of our partners.

Role

The Staff Attorney will be part of a team focused on challenging the immigration system through direct representation in administrative and removal proceedings with USCIS and EOIR, appeals before the BIA and federal circuit appeals, with an eye towards identifying issues for litigation and advocacy efforts, primarily in service of our clients who live in the jurisdiction of the Memphis Immigration Court. The position will be full-time and can be based out of our offices in Memphis or Murfreesboro, TN.

Responsibilities

• Screen and conduct initial consultations with potential clients
• Provide direct legal representation to client across the region, handling an active caseload before immigration agencies, including USCIS, the Memphis Immigration Court and federal courts
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community
• Supervise support staff, interns, externs and volunteers
• Maintain accurate case records and assist in compiling client data
• Participate and collaborate in regular organizational meetings to advance strategy for legal representation, outreach, media and advocacy
• Engage externally with partner organizations to advance litigation, media outreach, and advocacy
• Help maintain relationships with pro bono counsel, the private bar, partner organizations, and community groups
• Prepare for and present educational programs, including Know Your Rights trainings and Continuing Legal Education seminars, in small and large group settings
• Support special events and fundraising activities
• Perform other duties as assigned