Contract Attorney (hybrid)

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves women, girls, and other immigrant survivors fleeing persecution, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy and research-based training and education. Our programs efficiently and effectively leverage donated professional services from a vast network of attorneys, medical professionals, and other experts to serve as many immigrant survivors as possible. By amplifying the experiences of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress, Tahirih’s mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.

Please note that this position is hybrid with in-office presence at least 2 days a week and requires presence in Maryland. 

JOB SUMMARY

At Tahirih, attorneys provide critical legal counsel to our clients, immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence, who seek humanitarian immigration relief before the Department of Homeland Security, federal immigration courts, and appellate courts. Attorneys are well-versed in immigration law, are adept at facilitating trauma-informed interdisciplinary legal representation and can train and mentor pro bono attorneys. An attorney will work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary client services team to ensure clients’ voices and decision-making are centered. An attorney handles a diverse caseload; maintains quality control of a caseload; ensures grant metrics compliance in their own caseload; maintains relationships with pro bono attorneys assigned to caseload; conducts intake and provides brief advice and counsel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Render legal advice to assigned immigration legal cases, delivering brief advice and counsel as appropriate, and mentoring pro bono attorneys assigned to those cases.
• Reviewing case files, providing excellent legal analysis, and drafting case summaries for internal and external partner use.
• Participation in client meetings, relevant Pro Bono mentorship meetings, project check-ins, and office hours in a hybrid work environment. 
• Maintain up to date records in Tahirih’s case management system with details on client case activity.
• Assist with case handover/transfer at the conclusion of the contract, including completion of transfer memos.
• Engage in safety planning and other supportive collaborative case work in concert with Social Services team members as part of interdisciplinary, holistic, client-centered, trauma-informed service delivery.

  Education 

• Juris Doctorate
• Current bar membership in good standing in any state in the US or District of Columbia      or U.S. territory

Successful candidates generally possess: 

• Fluency or proven competency in reading and writing the Spanish language 
• At least 2-3 years’ experience working with immigrant survivors or other vulnerable immigrant populations
• At least 2-3 years’ experience working in cases before the Executive Office of Immigration Review and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 
• Detail-oriented and insightful legal analysis, written and oral advocacy and presentation skills
• Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• Strong organizational habits, time management skills, and prioritization skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience supporting survivors of violence and trauma and those from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Commitment to Tahirih’s foundational values and mission, and demonstrated commitment to legal services, public interest law, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and/or social justice.

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities are encouraged to apply. 

Work Authorization:

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation: $60 - $75 per hour (exact rate dependent on experience) working 20 - 30 hours per week. This is three month contract scheduled to begin in July 2025. 

Submissions:  Please include a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications, a resume and a list of three professional references.