Immigration Attorney

JOB TITLE: Attorney, Immigration  

 POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB CODE: 381000

REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney

JOB SUMMARY: The Immigration Staff Attorney will be a part of the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) at the Esperanza Center. Provides counsel and representation to low-income immigrants and their families before the federal immigration courts, Maryland state courts and the Department of Homeland Security regarding a wide range of immigration matters. Assists and supervises law students, volunteers, and pro-bono attorneys. This is a 1-year grant funded position, with option to renew employment.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  • Delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed legal services to immigrants of all ages and backgrounds in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. • Manages a high-volume caseload encompassing asylum, SIJS, family- and non-immigrant visas, TPS, NACARA, adjustment of status, naturalization, waivers, cancellation of removal, humanitarian relief, motions, and legal memoranda, ensuring timely filings and favorable outcomes. • Conducts client intakes, interviews, and consultations; provide direct representation in state court, immigration court, CIS interviews, asylum proceedings, and administrative hearings. • Performs in-depth legal research using INA, CFR, AILA, and other immigration law authorities to support case strategy and advocacy. • Maintains full accountability for accurate documentation, policy compliance, and prompt reporting of case statistics and grant deliverables. • Leads community outreach, workshops, and presentations; represent the agency at public events and professional forums to strengthen partnerships and fundraising efforts. • Recruits, train, and mentor pro bono attorneys to expand service capacity and maintain high professional standards. • Safeguards confidential, complete, and well-organized case files in line with agency and program requirements. • Performs other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: • Law degree from an accredited law school. • Licensed to practice law in at least one State or a Federal District Court. • Knowledge of immigration law (e.g. Humanitarian-Based Reliefs). • Possesses a basic understanding of Immigration processes, regulations, and procedures. • Experience with case management or client management software is desirable. o (e.g., LawLogix or similar platforms).

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES: • Bilingual in Spanish, offering effective communication across diverse populations. (written and spoken preferred) • Demonstrates accountability by consistently being punctual and maintaining reliable attendance. • Exhibits strong interpersonal skills with a courteous and professional demeanor towards staff, clients, and visitors. • Maintains a safe environment for clients and co-workers by following established safety protocols, promptly addressing hazards, and promoting a culture of accountability to ensure the well-being of all individuals in the workplace. • Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and effective exchanges in all interactions. • Effectively relates to and provides compassionate care for individuals from diverse communities. • Exhibits strong relational and supervisory skills, fostering positive relationships and team dynamics. • Acts with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations, maintaining confidentiality and integrity. • Apply strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. • Effectively prioritizes tasks and delegates activities as appropriate to ensure optimal workflow and productivity. • Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job function, including but not limited to, basic Windows PC, web browsing (i.e., Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Hybrid work options are available, contingent upon business needs and performance expectations in alignment with the Agency’s policy. • Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role. • Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites, which may involve walking, standing, or traveling to various locations as required by the role. • Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties. • Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain. • Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines. • Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others. 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMITMENTS & INCLUSIVITY: Catholic Charities is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Catholic Charities recruits, employs, trains, and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The responsibilities of this position must be performed consistently using the following behaviors: 1. Honor and respect the Dignity of every person. 2. Encounter each person with Compassion. 3. Act with Humility. 4. Reach out to others in a spirit of Collaboration. 5. Serve with Excellence. 6. Act with Integrity in everything you do. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Rev09092025