Staff Attorney

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org. 

OVERVIEW

Each year refugees and immigrants come to the United States to seek a better life and/or protection from persecution in their home country. To help them build their lives in the United States, USCRI offers humanitarian-based pro-bono and low-bono legal services for these refugees and immigrants by providing competent and comprehensive immigration legal services through grant- and government-funded programs. USCRI seeks to hire an immigration attorney to handle Afghan cases in its Raleigh, North Carolina office. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting intakes and providing legal consultations to determine eligibility for legal relief;
• Preparing and submitting immigration applications for the following:
  1. Family reunification petitions;
  2. Consular processing;
  3. Temporary Protected Status;
  4. DACA;
  5. Adjustment of Status;
  6. Asylum;
  7. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
  8. Waivers of inadmissibility; and
  9. Additional benefits such as employment authorization documents, travel documents, renewal of permanent resident cards, Certificates of Citizenship, and FOIAs;
• Making appropriate referrals to other service providers and relevant community partners;
• Representing clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including attending immigration interviews, immigration court hearings, and Infopass appointments;
• Assisting in the development of grants or contract proposals and reporting;
• Conducting outreach, leading trainings, and participating in networking activities; 
• Providing functional supervision of the Legal Assistant;
• Maintaining bar membership through continuing legal education; and
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Management Team.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions.  All job duties indicated are not be considered an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s). 

REQUIREMENTS

• J.D. with a valid license to practice law;
• At least two (2) years of experience practicing immigration law;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong writing and demonstrated intercultural communication ability;
• High-level of proficiency in MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel and database programs; 
• Ability to be in the office every day; 
• Positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team and also work independently is desirable; and
• Demonstrated commitment to immigration, social justice, and human rights.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Such accommodations must be requested by the applicant to be considered.

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying; and
• Quantitative/mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Please submit a resume with a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application.
• References will be required at time of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.
• Work Location:   In-person (possible consideration for a hybrid work environment).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.