Immigration Staff Attorney - Children’s Legal Services (VA)

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 legal representation to low-income immigrants in a variety of matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), with a focus vulnerable children and youth, survivors of crimes, and survivors of human trafficking 
• Provide legal representation to children either in ORR custody or formerly in ORR custody released to custodians in Northern Virginia, including representation in removal proceedings, state court custody matters in Virginia, and applications for other forms of relief before USCIS 
• Provide mentorship at Ayuda run pro bono clinics and/or on cases placed by Ayuda with pro bono partners 
• Where necessary, advocate on behalf of clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement 
• Attend local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings as a representative of Ayuda and on behalf of Ayuda’s client population 
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations and court rules 
• Assist with preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and reports 
• Other duties as assigned. 

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, including driving 100 miles for client meetings. 
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle and maintain both during the course of employment. 

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. 

• Member in good standing with the VA bar or immediately eligible for admission upon motion to the VA bar strongly preferred, license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction required 
• Experience in immigration law, with litigation and removal defense experience a plus  
• Experience working with children and/or child custody or guardianship petitions a plus 
• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus 
• Bilingual skills required, with Spanish language skills strongly preferred (other languages commonly spoken by Ayuda’s clients include Tagalog, French, Ixchil, other indigenous languages spoken in Central America, Portuguese, Arabic, and Amharic) 
• 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 
• Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval) preferred; and  
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The anticipated salary for this position is $74,000-85,100, depending on experience. For example, the salary for a staff attorney with two years of directly relevant experience is $78,500. 

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://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.   

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.