Staff Attorney

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Staff Attorney will represent detained Afghan clients who entered the US through the Afghan Reception and Placement program (APA), Cuban immigrants and potentially clients located at the Bluebonnet ICE Detention center. Services will include in depth assessment of client’s immigration needs, legal counseling on options moving forward, and if appropriate Asylum applications.

Working closely with IRC Abilene leadership and immigration staff, as well as IRC’s HQ Immigration Technical Unit and a host of external partners, the Staff Attorney will assist in launching this new program area for IRC in Abilene. The attorney will bring not only relevant legal experience and a passion for this area of work, but also the creativity and flexibility needed to help lead the process of implementing a new program area—both in Abilene and at IRC.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Screen Afghan and Cuban clients for immigration status and provide counseling on options for permanent status

· Complete applications, including Asylum applications, DACA and other pertinent filings

· If necessary, represent clients in immigration court

· Provide in depth orientations to Afghan clients arriving through the APA program as well as Cuban entrants

· Conduct intakes and frequent follow-up meetings with detained noncitizen Abilene residents at the Bluebonnet Detention Center. Travel may be required in the early morning or evenings, and weekends.

· Provide personalized consultations on eligibility for relief from removal and legal case strategy.

· Ensure client and program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately and reported accurately using IRC’s Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database and other relevant case management systems.

· Creativity in developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to guarantee the best legal representation.

· Work closely with the HQ Immigration Technical Unit team.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

· Experience providing direct legal representation in immigration court (at least 2 years’ experience preferred);

· Thorough understanding of the intersection of criminal/immigration law;

· Deep commitment to immigrant rights, criminal justice, and/or social justice;

· Demonstrated commitment to representing low-income, disadvantaged clients;

· Ability to work well under time pressure and handle a high volume caseload;

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing

· Excellent research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills;

· Trauma-informed communication skills;

· Spanish fluency;

· Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners.

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.

The IRC and IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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