Immigration Attorney

Description:

The immigration attorney will conduct legal assessment of potential clients and review complex cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits as well as provide referrals to other legal providers as appropriate. They will provide consultations, provide direct legal representation, and prepare and submit applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum (affirmatively and defensively), withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, Temporary Protected Status, work permits, travel permits/advance parole, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Responsibilities:

• Direct legal representation of immigrants and asylum seekers in removal proceedings, bond proceedings, and appeals before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), with a focus on representation of clients with non-detained cases
• Provide legal services, orientation, and direct representation, to immigrants and asylum seekers facing removal
• Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration legal services
• Build and maintain relationships with internal PANA team and local stakeholders
• Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards
• Maintain case files, documentation and data integrity using division's case management system
• Ensure contract compliance, including helping to prepare funder reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required
• Perform other related duties as required
• The Immigration Attorney will report directly to the Immigration Legal Director.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree or Master of Law (LLM) degree, from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory with current Bar membership in good standing.
• Fluent in English in written and spoken forms.
• Comfortable with public speaking and frequent communication with clients and their supporters, government counsel, court staff, and immigration officers and judges.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel to the San Diego Immigration Court in downtown San Diego, Otay Mesa Immigration Court, and Otay Mesa Detention Center.
• Comfort with working with colleagues and clients from all over the world, with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with legal research tools, strong written and oral advocacy skills, and a commitment to participate fully in training and development of these skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools and sophisticated use of technology.
• At least one year of immigration-related experience.

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