Staff Attorney

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

IRC seeks a Staff Attorney to join the IRC in Atlanta to represent asylum seekers and other individuals facing removal in immigration court, as well as on petitions before US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). The Staff Attorney will also conduct community-based know your rights sessions. The Staff Attorney will bring several years’ experience representing asylum seekers in immigration court, superb legal judgment and legal ethics, an ability to work independently while recognizing the value of collaboration and cross-referencing with other experts, and a passion for this area of work. This position will focus on supporting legal services for Afghan parolees, which will include a range of services such as orientations and individual screenings, family-based immigrant petitions and adjustments of status, Special Immigrant self-petition-based adjustments of status, and affirmative asylum, as well as other avenues for seeking permanent status that may become available. The position will work in collaboration with community partners and will be closely working with the immigration team and the IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit (TU) at IRC’s headquarters, which supports IRC’s 24 legal service programs across the US.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Legal Representation

· Conduct intakes for IRC Afghan Parolee clients to identify legal pathways.

· Provide clients with information about immigration benefits available through USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete pro se asylum applications.

· Coordinate with partner organization, Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN), and host pro-se asylum clinics to assist Afghan Parolees to apply for affirmative asylum

· Coordinate closely within IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to services offered in-house and through partnerships with external providers.

· Process correspondence from USCIS and DOS, including notifying clients, assisting clients to prepare responses to notices or evidence requests as appropriate, and following up with relevant parties.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files and detailed case notes, enter required data in a timely manner, meet all case reporting requirements within established timelines and standards, and assist in the completion of statistical, narrative, and financial reports.

· Ensure client and project data is collected consistently, and reported accurately in accordance with program reporting requirements set by IRC.

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise of changing asylum and immigration policies through independent research and analysis, regular trainings, and peer-to-peer consultation.

· Conduct trainings for IRC staff as needed.

· Participate in community-based coalitions related to immigrant rights.

· Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.

Community Partnerships and Workshops

· Create and maintain a viable outreach strategy to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community-based organization, local immigration attorneys, and nonprofit legal providers.

· Collaborate with other IRC departments and partners to offer community-based workshops or information sessions when demand exceeds capacity to provide direct legal representation.

· Other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

· At least 3 years’ experience providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief;

· Excellent research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills and excellent legal judgment;

· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing;

· Bilingual in one or more languages of the survivor population preferred (eg, Dari, Pashto);

· Demonstrated ability to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment;

· Deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants;

· Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills;

· Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations;

· Strong computer literacy, research and analysis skills;

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

Working Environment:

· Standard office environment with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events.

· May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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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