Immigration Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.  

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? 

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: 

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States. 
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. 
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm. 
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. 
• That diversity and equality make this country better. 

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL? 

• Provide direct immigration legal representation in a variety of immigration matters including representation of: clients in administrative and judicial proceedings; asylum-seekers; victims of trafficking seeking a T-visa; victims of crimes seeking a U-visa; victims of domestic violence seeking relief under VAWA; minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; individuals seeking family unification through the family-based immigration process, and those seeking other forms of immigration relief and representation in immigration matters. 
• Attend and provide mentorship to volunteer attorneys at Ayuda’s pro bono immigration clinics.
• Mentor pro bono attorneys taking cases for long-term representation through Ayuda’s pro bono case pipeline.
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations and court rules.
• Represent Ayuda at meetings and collaborations with other agencies.
• Conduct trainings and community outreach on immigration issues.
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s social services staff to ensure the provision of holistic services.
• Support Ayuda’s fundraising efforts through attendance at, and providing client stories and client speakers for events.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB? 

Eligibility Requirements:  Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. 

Qualifications: The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes. 

• J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school required.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Maryland (preferred), or member in good standing of any jurisdiction in the United States, with immediate eligibility to waive into the MD bar (without examination).
• Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to Ayuda’s client community required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice. 
• Experience in and/or study of immigration law preferred (although entry level candidates are encouraged).
• Experience with removal defense and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status state court proceedings a plus.
• Experience working with survivors of family violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or other trauma a plus.
• Strong legal, organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The anticipated salary for this position is $73,800-84,900 depending on experience.  

 (This range is our FY24 salary range, and we expect there to be a small increase for the start of FY25 on October 1, 2024.)  

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:   

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid 
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid 
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid 
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid 
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary 
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.  
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year 
• 12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave 
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year 
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships) 
• Flexible work schedules 

This position is exempt for overtime purposes.   

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.  For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.   

TO APPLY: 

Please apply with resume and cover letter.  Writing samples may be requested. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: 

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.  

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.