Managing Attorney

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

The managing attorney will oversee immigration legal services in Baltimore, including legal services to Afghan parolee clients, as well as IRC’s longstanding immigration legal services program, which provides low-cost immigration legal services to refugees, immigrants and other community members in their family reunification, adjustment of status and naturalization applications before USCIS. In addition to overseeing the legal services program, the Managing Attorney will pioneer a new area of services by providing direct legal representation for a limited number of individuals seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief in immigration court.

The managing attorney will bring not only legal expertise and a passion for this area of work, but also the ability to motivate and mentor a team of legal professionals in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The position will work in close collaboration with a range of community partners and the Immigration Technical Unit (TU) at IRC’s headquarters, which oversees IRC’s 24 legal service programs across the US.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Oversee legal strategy through daily direct supervision of a team of legal practitioners.

· Provide direct legal representation for a limited number of individuals seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief in immigration court.

· Employ adaptive management techniques to provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans

· Develop and monitor intake procedures, case acceptance policies, and caseload targets and limits.

· Provide direct legal representation to a limited caseload of individuals in immigration court before USCIS where applicable, including on applications for adjustment of status, naturalization, and other cases as determined in consultation with supervisor and IRC’s headquarters.

· Actively co-facilitate and support grant opening, grant review, and grant closing meetings, and lead all aspects of grant cycle, including developing/implementing monitoring & evaluation plans.

· Ensure program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately and reported timely, using IRC’s legal case management database and other relevant case management systems.

· Ensure effective integration of internships and volunteers within programs.

· Collaborate with other IRC program areas as appropriate to ensure client-centered service.

· Establish, maintain and periodically refresh legal services program policies and procedures in collaboration with IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit; oversee and/or conduct regular case file reviews (paper files and electronic case files) to ensure compliance with legal case management procedures.

· Create and maintain a viable outreach strategy to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, the private bar, and nonprofit legal providers; pursue program initiatives with partners that further goals and address unmet demand.

· Serve as an in-house expert on US immigration law by updating internal IRC colleagues on changes in immigration law affecting IRC’s clients as needed.

· Serve on program leads team with program managers and work effectively across programs to further IRC’s mission. Contribute to and support office-wide Strategic Action Plan.

· Work closely with the HQ Immigration Technical Unit and field offices as part of IRC’s immigration network.

· Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.

· Other related duties as assigned.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Position Reports to: Deputy Director, Baltimore. Position liaises closely with HQ Immigration Technical Unit.

Position Directly Supervises: legal assistant(s), DOJ Accredited Representatives, and program coordinators for immigration and intake services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

· Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and admission to any state bar

· At least three years of experience or more providing direct representation for individuals seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief in immigration court and before USCIS

· Strong legal supervision skills and superb legal judgment

· Ability to oversee and provide supervision on a reasonably high case volume and work under time pressure

· Experience organizing and facilitating immigration workshops and immigration information sessions

· Strong people management skills. At least two years of supervisory experience, preferably managing legal services

· Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality. Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives

· Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

· Fluency in English required. Bilingual abilities in one or more languages of the survivor population preferred (e.g., Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto)

· Deep commitment to working with humanitarian immigrants

· Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills

· Desire to join a team working to protect due process and immigrant rights

· Must have a valid driver’s license, access to a personal, insured vehicle, and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners

Working Environment:

A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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Qualifications