Senior Attorney, Detained Adult Program

Position Summary

A Senior Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on (i) the provision of direct legal services under a universal representation model to immigrant adults held in facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere outside the DMV region, (ii) the supervision of staff attorneys and paralegals (also including supervision of interns and fellows ); and (iii) the mentoring of pro bono attorneys. The Senior Attorney provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Representation
  • Manages caseload of direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings primarily before the Annandale, Hyattsville, and Elizabeth Immigration Courts and other courts as needed.
    • This includes representation in cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Cancellation of Removal.
  • An average senior attorney’s docket consists of about one individual hearing per month and some form of ongoing representation for 10-15 clients at the same time.
• Supervise and coordinate with paralegal staff on case support.
• As needed, provide direct supervision to staff attorneys on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management.
• Provide expert mentoring to outside attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis.
• Assist other program staff during high work/low bandwidth periods.
• Participate in stakeholder relationship activities.
• Engage with internal Amica Center committees and working groups to support the organization's growth and strategy.

Additional Role-Specific Details

Position Type: Full-time, exempt position
Reports To: Managing Attorney
Supervisory Responsibility: Senior attorneys may be assigned direct supervision of staff attorneys and paralegals based on program needs.
Hiring Timeline: Applications will be accepted and offers made on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary

$67,800-$110,000

Location and/or Travel Requirements

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Travel to the area when needed for hearings, jail visits, and programmatic meetings is required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, life insurance and pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV.
• Paid Time Off: Amica Center provides personal, sick and volunteer time off, federal holidays, winter break closure and parental leave.

EEO Statement

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Amica Center prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amica Center conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Cover Letter and Writing Sample

Submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample that explains your interest in this role with your Paylocity submission.

Requirements

• Competencies Required:
  • Legal Proficiency
  • Client and Programmatic Proficiency
  • Administrative
• Qualifications Required:
  • JD/LLM and 3-5 years of relevant experience in immigration law.
  • Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing with a state bar.
  • Written and oral Spanish proficiency required, fluency preferred.
  • At least 1-2 years of supervision experience preferred.