Contract Supervising Attorney

Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center

Job Description | Part Time Contract Supervising Attorney

ABOUT LAS AMERICAS IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY CENTER

Las Americas is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to serving immigrants and asylum seekers with high quality legal services, advocacy, and support in the borderland communities surrounding El Paso, Texas and southern New Mexico. Founded in 1987 by the visionary co-founders of Annunciation House, Las Americas was designed to address the unmet legal needs of Central Americans fleeing civil war and political unrest in the 1980’s. Since its founding, Las Americas has served over 50,000 persons, while advocating for a robust asylum system, working to reunify separated families, and advocating for systemic change to US immigration policy and practices. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Part Time Supervising Attorney is a temporary role beginning on August 25, 2025 and not to go beyond December 31, 2025. The position is designed to support Las Americas through a transition to the hiring of a new Director of Advocacy and Legal Services.  The Part Time Supervising Attorney will provide legal expertise and overall supervision of all legal programs in an effort to best serve the mission of Las Americas. 

The Supervising Attorney’s time will be distributed as follows: management and supervision (85%) and support with the hiring and onboarding of a new Director of Advocacy and Legal Services (15%).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Independent Contractor would agree to perform functions and duties listed below and to follow the advice and direction of the Executive Director in the performance of their duties. 

Job duties not to exceed 20 hours a week: 

• Weekly 1:1 check-ins with each member of the legal team of (2) staff attorneys; (2) legal fellows; (4) Department of Justice Accredited Representatives, and (1) volunteer Department of Justice Accredited Representative
• Office hours to conduct reviews of draft applications prior to filing; approval of new case placements; answering legal questions received by the administrator email
• Participation in weekly legal team meetings
• Participation in transition planning sessions as needed and as relevant to legal services and supervision
• Weekly admin and management check-ins 
  

COMPENSATION

• $100 an hour not to exceed 20 hours per week
  

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate degree with membership in good standing in the bar of any  state and/or the District of Columbia
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in immigration law (5 years preferred)
• Minimum of two years’ experience supervising legal staff (may include supervision of paralegals)
• Knowledge of affirmative and removal defense work before the Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals
• Well-organized, self-motivated, able to work well under  pressure, and able to work collaboratively and as part of a team
• Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time management skills
• Must always maintain professional demeanor and excellent work ethic
• Proficiency with computers, common office equipment, Google Suite, MS Office, and legal case management software

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Bilingual - English/Spanish preferred but not required
• Direct services experience
• Organizing background in social justice and or advocacy
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including low-income populations, people who are marginally housed, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people of color and/or persons with disabilities
• Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
• Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants
• Ability to work locally in El Paso, TX
• Availability for regular in person meetings and hybrid work

Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer and offers equal employment opportunities in recruitment, selection, and advancement with no regard to race, cultural heritage, nationality, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, or any other status protected under the law.