Immigration Attorney

Company Description:

NextStep Immigration Legal Aid, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to affordable immigration assistance for individuals and families. The organization is developing its immigration legal services program and pursuing recognition and accreditation through the U.S. Department of Justice's Recognition and Accreditation Program.

NextStep Immigration Legal Aid seeks to provide accessible, client-centered immigration services while maintaining high standards of professionalism, accuracy, ethics, and compliance.

Role Description:

NextStep Immigration Legal Aid, Inc. is seeking an experienced immigration attorney to establish an ongoing technical legal consultation and support relationship with the organization.

This is not a full-time or traditional staff attorney position. The organization is seeking an attorney interested in serving as an independent legal consultant on an as-needed basis and entering into a formal technical legal support arrangement in connection with the organization's pursuit of DOJ Recognition and Accreditation.

The attorney may provide consultation regarding immigration law and procedure, guidance on complex or unusual legal issues, technical assistance to immigration program staff, and other immigration-law support as mutually agreed upon.

The anticipated workload is limited and consultation-based. NextStep Immigration Legal Aid is particularly interested in attorneys who are comfortable establishing an ongoing professional relationship while billing for substantive consultation on an hourly or as-needed basis.

Location: Remote; preference may be given to attorneys familiar with immigration practice in Georgia and the Atlanta area.

Engagement: Independent Contractor / Legal Consultant

Schedule: As needed / Flexible

The organization is seeking to establish a formal, ongoing technical legal support relationship with an experienced immigration attorney while keeping fixed operating expenses manageable so that client services can remain affordable.

Compensation:

Our preferred compensation structure is:

• $100–$150 per hour for consultations actually requested, with no guaranteed minimum number of hours; or
• A mutually agreed low-cost availability arrangement combined with hourly compensation when substantive consultation is needed.

The anticipated need is occasional and may include months in which little or no consultation is required.

We understand that these rates may be below the customary billing rates of experienced immigration attorneys. This opportunity is therefore best suited for an attorney who has an existing practice or other primary employment and is interested in supporting the development of an affordable nonprofit immigration legal-services program on a limited basis.

We are open to discussing a reasonable alternative structure with an attorney whose experience and interest align with the organization's needs.

Qualifications:

• Active license and good standing with a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
• Substantial knowledge of U.S. immigration and nationality law
• Experience with family-based immigration and adjustment of status matters
• Ability to provide technical legal consultation on complex immigration questions
• Strong understanding of professional responsibility and ethical obligations
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with removal proceedings, waivers, humanitarian immigration matters, or DOJ Recognition and Accreditation is a plus
• Interest in supporting a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to affordable immigration services
• Attorneys with solo practices or existing immigration practices who are interested in a limited, ongoing consulting relationship are encouraged to apply.
• Experience handling a variety of immigration case types, including Immigration and Visas, such as family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian applications.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, review, and file immigration forms and supporting documents with a high level of accuracy and detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts clearly to clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong client service mindset, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple cases, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with legal practice management software and standard office tools; prior experience in immigration-focused practices is beneficial.