What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at International Institute of Wisconsin?
Job Title: Staff Attorney
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Organization: International Institute of Wisconsin
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Director of Legal Services
About us
The International Institute of Wisconsin is a nonprofit legal services organization committed to advancing immigrant rights and providing high-quality legal representation to underserved immigrant communities. We focus on humanitarian and family-based immigration relief, including asylum, Special Immigrant Visas, DACA, and family petitions.
Position Summary
The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal services to low-income individuals and families seeking humanitarian and family-based immigration relief. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for handling a diverse caseload, including asylum applications, family petitions, adjustment of status, and related matters. The role includes community outreach, education, and occasional supervision of interns or pro bono volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide full-scope legal representation to clients in immigration matters, with a focus on:
- Affirmative asylum applications
- Family-based immigration petitions (I-130, I-485, consular processing)
- Humanitarian relief
- Naturalization and DACA renewal applications
- Prepare and file immigration forms and supporting documentation with USCIS.
- Conduct client intake, interviews, and legal screenings to assess immigration relief eligibility.
- Represent clients before USCIS.
- Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in the case management system.
- Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in immigration law and policy.
- Participate in community education workshops, legal clinics, and outreach events.
- Supervise and mentor law clerks, volunteers, or accredited representatives, as appropriate.
- Collaborate with partner organizations and community groups to support client needs.
Qualifications
- Required:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with a state bar
- Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights, social justice, and public interest law
- At least 1–3 years of experience in immigration law (can include internships or clinical experience)
- Experience preparing and filing USCIS applications, including affirmative and defensive asylum
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with attention to detail
- Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish or another relevant language is strongly preferred
Preferred:
- Experience representing clients before USCIS
- Experience working with immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trauma and forced migration
- Familiarity with case management systems
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Supportive and mission-driven work environment
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $70,000