Staff Attorney

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with clients;
• Prepare clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Represent CWS clients as primary attorney of record at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Engage with USCIS and other immigration agencies on behalf of clients and/or in support of clients’ immigration cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepare and file immigration applications and motions; prepare other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order and in designated database, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow-ups.
• Conduct periodic case reviews.
• Represent CWS at community meetings and participate in education and outreach activities.
• Support the development of grant applications and reports, and new programs.
• Promote legal service program and program vision through various media including newspaper, radio and television.
• Prepare packages and provide primary representation before USCIS or EOIR to assist in the fee-for-service program for the office.
• Provide support for paralegals, including but not limited to training, reviewing packages, and preparing program documentations as necessary.
• Supervise designated paralegal(s) when needed.

Qualifications

• Education: JD degree with specialization in Immigration law. Must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (state Bar preferred).
• Experience: A minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience with immigration representation and removal proceedings required along with other areas of Immigration Law, including asylum representation.

Skills

• Demonstrated cultural competency in fast-paced work environment.
• Fluency in written and oral English and a second language, Spanish language fluency preferred.
• Experience and comfort with public speaking.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, and the ability to prioritize assignments and workload.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public.
• Familiarity with software applications in a Windows and cloud-based environment, including Microsoft Office and immigration case management applications.

Special Requirements

• The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.

Benefits

• CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts