Senior Staff Attorney (Immigration) at small nonprofit

The Legal Clinic (TLC) has an exciting new job opening for a senior staff attorney (immigration law). Position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by early July 2022 will be given priority.

Responsibilities & Duties: The senior staff attorney leads TLC’s small but growing legal team which provides immigration legal services to vulnerable foreign-born Hawaiʻi residents who seek assistance with a variety of humanitarian immigration legal matters. The senior staff attorney is responsible for providing direct legal services to clients, and training and supervising other staff members and volunteers in this work. The senior attorney is also a spokesperson for TLC and expected to share information about immigration legal issues with diverse audiences.

The senior staff attorney reports to TLC’s executive director (ED, not an attorney) and works closely with the ED and board-run committees on organizational capacity and planning efforts, and on advocacy issues that impact our immigrant and migrant communities. The senior attorney, in conjunction with other legal team members, will fulfill the following duties:

-Provide legal advice and direct representation to clients on a wide range of matters including naturalization, adjustment of status, asylum, U visa, T visa, TPS, DACA, removal defense, bond hearings and habeas petitions, and more.

-Represent clients before agencies and courts, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

-Train, supervise, and mentor legal team staff (currently one other immigration attorney an 1-2 legal assistants), pro bono attorneys, interns, and other volunteers.

-Work with TLC’s volunteer committee, community partners, media, and legislators to advocate for fair immigration policies. This may include some writing of articles and/or testimonials.

-Put on know-your-rights and naturalization workshops

-Conduct public educational presentations, know-your-rights workshops, naturalization clinics, and other events related to immigration law and the work of TLC.

-Advise the board and other colleagues on legal trends pertinent to the organization and its mission.

-Engage with our national affiliate network through monthly meetings (virtual), an email list-serv, and annual conferences with other network attorneys and directors around the country.

-Manage client documentation and assist with data reporting and other administrative responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

Knowledge

Knowledge of immigration law and procedure.

General knowledge and familiarity with other areas of the law such as contracts, employment, and administrative.

Law Degree with current authorization to practice immigration law.

Desired but not required: Membership in the Hawaii State Bar Association and license to practice law in Hawaii.

Skills

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Prior supervisory and/or teaching/training/mentorship experience.

Ability to make mature, experienced business and legal judgments.

Ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, logically and succinctly (both verbally and in writing).

In depth analytical, organizational, and conceptual skills to handle various projects and programs.

Ability to identify, analyze and research legal issues affecting the organization, and make recommendations to address the problem.

Demonstrated ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.

Strong commitment to public interest legal service and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.

Ability to work sensitively with numerous staff, volunteers, and clients having diverse personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations and various faiths.

Experience

At least 3 years of legal practice experience required, representing clients, and appearing before the Immigration Court and at US Citizenship & Immigration Service offices.

Desired but not required: prior non-profit work experience.

Benefits: A robust benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, 401k benefit with employer match, generous paid time off, flex scheduling, parking subsidy, professional dues required to maintain an active law license, AILA membership dues, and professional development opportunities. Partial work-from-home time negotiable. The senior staff attorney will be covered by National JFON professional liability insurance.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter/email and resume via email. Position is open until filled. Those invited to interview will also be asked to provide a writing sample and three contacts as reference. This job description is listed on our website at https://thelegalclinichawaii.org/jobs/

The Legal Clinic is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.