Immigration Attorney

Position Summary:

The purpose of the Immigration Staff Attorney is to represent clients in immigration matters, which may include but are not limited to: asylum, status adjustment, guardianship, other family-based petitions, removal defense (including detained), and representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Clients include asylum-seekers, refugees, asylees, Cuban parolees, and certified victims of human trafficking, among others. The Immigration Staff Attorney will work with legal services staff and interpreters to deliver services to clients that are compassionate, culturally competent, and of the highest level of quality. He or she will be responsible for representing clients before DHS, EOIR, and DOS. He or she will prepare applications and petitions for submission to the appropriate agency. He or she will assist with the training and supervision of law students and volunteers. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, salaried position. This position is supervised by the Senior Immigration Staff Attorney.

Responsibilities:

1.    Provide services to Exodus clients including but not limited to the following:

a.    Change of Address (AR-11);

b.    Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90);

c.    Application to Register Permanent Residence for Refugees (I-485);

d.    Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition (I-730);

e.    Application for Employment Authorization (I-765);

f.     Guardianship

g.    Legal services for victims of human trafficking;

h.    Petition for Alien Relative (I-130);

i.     Application for Travel Document (I-131);

j.     Application for Asylum or Withholding of Removal (I-589);

k.    Assistance with defensive Asylum cases;

l.     Application for T nonimmigrant Status (I-914);

m.  Request for Reduced Fee (I-942);

n.    Application for Naturalization (N-400);

o.    Application for Temporary Protected Status (I-821);

p.    Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)

q.    Other as required

2.    Preparation of applications, petitions, motions, briefs, and memoranda as required

3.    Representation of clients at administrative and judicial hearings and administrative interviews

4.    Conduct client consultations

5.    Monitor all administrative policies and procedures for effective delivery of services

6.    Assist with identifying and pursuing funding opportunities for immigration legal services

7.    Assist with training and supervision of law students and volunteers

8.    Assist with the supervision of other legal services staff

9.    Facilitate community outreach and educational activities

10. Keep abreast of legislative and policy changes that may affect immigration

11. Ensure cross-program cooperation with staff serving clients in other capacities.

12. Prepare and maintain files, records, and information that complies with regulations, policies, procedures, and relevant laws.

13. Work with internal accounting staff to assess and bill any client fees.

14. Work across programs with other Exodus staff.

15. Perform administrative and clerical duties as necessary.

16. Performs other duties as may be required by the CEO or Director of Legal Services.

Qualifications/Criteria:

·      J.D. from an ABA accredited law school

·      Licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana and in good standing

·      Expected to practice before DHS, EOIR, DOS, and, potentially in state or federal court.

·      Passion for immigration law and demonstrated commitment to social justice

·      Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·      Highly organized and detail oriented; must be able to work in multi-tasking fashion

·      Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability advocate with governmental and other non-profit or social service agencies

·      Ability to effectively manage a large caseload

·      Experience working with diverse populations, especially non-native English speakers

·      Must be able to effectively communicate with clients of diverse cultural and language backgrounds. 

·      Must have PC proficiency, with competency in Microsoft Office applications.

·      Must have a vehicle, valid license, and insurance to transport clients.

·      Must be able to function as part of a team. 

·      Proficiency in a second language preferred.