Immigration Staff Attorney

Looking for a rewarding career with a purpose?

Come see why the Cleveland Plain Dealer has named Catholic Charities one of the top workplaces for 10 years in a row.

If you are a compassionate and dedicated person looking for an opportunity to make a difference in society, we encourage you to apply. Catholic Charities isn’t just an organization that provides help to those in need in our communities—it’s a place where employees are encouraged to live purpose driven lives, professionally and personally. Join our team as we provide help and create hope for those in need.

At Catholic Charities, we serve everyone, regardless of belief or background, and we employ qualified individuals who commit to our mission with the goal of transforming lives for the better.  One need not be Catholic to join our workforce nor to access our services.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance starting your first day
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k plan including employer match
• Competitive Time Off Benefits
• Career Planning and Development
• And more!

Program Statement:

MRS resettles approximately 450 refugees annually from countries including Bhutan, Burma, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. We respect the dignity of each person and provide a supportive environment where each individual and culture is celebrated. Building upon the courage and strength of these newcomers, we seek to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in family-based and humanitarian immigration legal matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). 
• Advocate for clients facing a variety of challenges, including limited English proficiency, victims of torture, trauma, and abuse, individuals with mental health diagnoses, and immigrant children in removal proceedings.
• Prepare and file applications for immigration benefits, including family petitions, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U visas, T visas, and VAWA self-petitions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and records in accordance with organizational standards.
• Conduct thorough client interviews, prepare declarations, and gather necessary evidence to support clients' cases.
• Provide legal consultations to clients, offering advice on their immigration options and rights under U.S. immigration law.
• Collaborate with community organizations, social service providers, and mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
• Conduct legal research and stay updated on the latest immigration law developments, regulations, and policies to provide effective representation.
• Participate in outreach efforts, including educational presentations and workshops for immigrant communities and partner organizations.
• Work closely with ILS paralegals and administrative staff to maintain accurate and organized case files and ensure timely communication with clients.
• Supervise and mentor volunteer attorneys, law students, and paralegals assisting with case preparation and client intake.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction (Ohio Bar admission preferred or willingness to obtain).
• For candidates with less than 2 years of immigration law experience, submission of law school transcripts and class standing is required.
• 0–2 years of experience in immigration law or related legal practice.
• Cover Letter and Resume required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to social justice, immigrant rights, and working with underserved communities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by immigrant communities is preferred.