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? 

• This position is based in our Washington, DC office and will require travel to local state, federal, and immigration courts. 
• As Staff Attorney you will represent low-income immigrants, including victims of crime and children. 
• Conduct intakes and represent victims of crime in immigration matters, including SIJS, asylum, VAWA petitions, U and T Visa applications, DACA and removal proceedings.
• Represent clients in immigration matter before USCIS, ICE, DOS and EOIR, as well as DC Superior Court to obtain SIJS predicate orders; represent clients in federal courts in APA and/or mandamus actions.
• Provide victim witness orientation and accompaniment when appropriate.
• Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives.
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws and regulations.
• Train area service providers and government agencies, including law enforcement.
• Conduct outreach presentations to potential clients.
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services.
• Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of legal interns, volunteers, paralegals and legal assistants.
• Contribute to Ayuda’s pro bono program through mentoring at clinics and mentoring pro bono pipeline cases.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?  

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. 

Eligibility: 

• 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. 

Education/Experience: 

• J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school
• Bar license requirements: Licensed to practice law any state, district or territory of the United States is preferred. 
• Individuals licensed to practice in D.C. are strongly preferred (eligibility to waive into the D.C. bar immediately required). 
• Applicants who are awaiting admission, bar results, or registered for the next available bar examination are still encouraged to apply.  
• 1-2 years of experience providing immigration legal services to low-income individuals preferred. 

Language Skills: 

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish highly preferred. 

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including detailed knowledge of humanitarian immigration relief (Asylum, U and T Visas, VAWA, SIJS) in addition to the family-based immigration process. 
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; must be comfortable presenting in public and in oral arguments before the courts. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team, including in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, external partners, and client communities. 
• Strong work ethic, discrete, resourceful, and able to maintain confidentiality. 
• Detail-oriented. 
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills. 
• Ability to meet assigned and self-imposed deadlines. 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities. 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions. 
• Decisive, with ability to exercise independent judgment. 
• Ability to understand legal ethical obligations and understand when and how to seek appropriate supervision. 

Technological Skills: 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to devote interest and attention to learning other new software programs and web-based applications, including Ayuda’s electronic case-management system LegalServer; experience with LegalServer strongly preferred. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The anticipated salary for this position is $69,500 - $85,100, depending on experience.  

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 on the basis of 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.