Affirmative Unit, Staff Attorney

About the Organization Canal Alliance exists to break the generational cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants and their families by lifting barriers to their success. Canal Alliance is a nonprofit champion of immigrants who are challenged by a lack of resources and an unfamiliar environment. Every day, we educate, empower, support, and partner with motivated immigrants to best meet all their unique needs—from putting food on the table, to becoming American citizens, to learning English, to graduating from college.Canal Alliance strives for a trauma-informed collaborative and inclusive culture. We invest in high quality services, professional development, and work-life balance. Position Summary The Affirmative Unit Staff Attorney (AU Staff Attorney) represents clients in various humanitarian immigration matters, focusing on affirmative cases. They will maintain an active caseload while conducting case consultations, developing legal strategies, and providing legal representation. The Staff Attorney primarily represents clients before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and occasionally before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). In collaboration with members of the AU, the Staff Attorney plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality affirmative immigration legal services by advancing legal excellence, strengthening consistency in practice, monitoring and integrating developments in immigration law and policy, and contributing to the development and implementation of best practices in AU. Essential Functions Manage an assigned caseload, including but not limited to conducting intakes, consultations, legal research, determining eligibility and risk assessment, developing case strategy, responding to Requests for Evidence (RFE), filing Appeals, Motions to Reconsider, Motions to Reopen, preparing and filing submissions to USCISIdentify client need for relevant Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and background check requests; prepare and submit FOIA requests and background checks; analyze results to evaluate their impact on case strategy; and file appealsConduct detailed file reviews to identify missing information or evidence, factual discrepancies, and legal issues to determine and implement case strategyCollect, organize, and review supporting documentation and evidence for immigration filingsEnsure timely completion of case milestones and filing deadlines in accordance with agency procedures, workplans, and case management protocolsSubmit case inquiries to USCIS, the USCIS Ombudsman, and CongresspeoplePrepare and represent clients at biometrics appointments, USCIS interviews and EOIR hearingsConduct peer reviews of colleagues’ filingsTrack and analyze changes in immigration law, policy, and procedures, translating developments into timely guidance and resources for program staffDevelop, maintain, and refine legal resources, templates, and best practices to support program staff and promote consistency, and efficiencySchedule and confirm client appointmentsMaintain prompt and regular client communications via texts, voicemails, and emailsTimely and accurately note all client communications in LawLogixConduct fingerprinting for background check submissions Collaboration & Working Relationships: The AU Staff Attorney collaborates daily with clients and community members seeking affirmative immigration benefits. The AU Staff Attorney works regularly with staff in the Unaccompanied Children (UC) Unit of ILS, and external partners such as the Marin County Public Defender’s Office, the San Rafael Police Department, the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, and psychologists. The AU Staff Attorney may also work with staff in other Canal Alliance departments, such as Social Services and Education. Expected Time Allocation: 75% Legal casework10% Training10% Administrative work5% Supporting with mentoring/training junior staff Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong working knowledge of affirmative immigration case types, USCIS processes, and filing proceduresExperienced with USCIS filings and case preparationExcellent attention to detail and organizational, communication, research, writing and analytical skillsExceptional case management skills, including the ability to independently manage a high volume of cases, prioritize competing deadlines, and track case progressionStrong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex procedures, document case activity, and communicate professionally and effectively with clients and colleaguesExcels working individually/remotely as well as in a team settingSkilled in trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy practicesAble to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive client informationExperience working with LawLogix or other legal case management softwareKnowledge of Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and ExcelCommitted to serving immigrants and sensitive to the needs of low-income, vulnerable clients QualificationsJ.D. and a member in good standing of any state barPrior experience in immigration lawBilingual – Spanish and English written and oral fluencyAble to sit for extended periods, with sufficient mobility to work in standard office/courtroom settings CompensationThis is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. We offer a competitive salary range from $80k-$85k with a benefits package that includes: 3 weeks paid vacation per year12 days of sick leave per yearPaid Birthday each year13 paid holidays per year 100% paid employee medical & dental insurance, life insurance, LTD, and EAP403(b)-retirement plan with employer match of up to 4% after 3 months of employmentVoluntary benefits include FSA, vision, life, and pet insurance, as well as coverage for dependentsTelehealth for physical and mental health Application ProcessPlease Email Your Resume And Cover Letter To HR@canalalliance.org And Answer The Following Questions In Your Cover Letter Or Body Of Email Why do you want to work at Canal Alliance?Please describe your immigration law experience.How did you gain your Spanish fluency?