Attorney

Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement • Omaha, NE

1d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Attorney is an integral member of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement’s Legal Department. The role provides direct legal representation, maintains communication with clients, and contributes to education and advocacy related to immigration benefits and the rights of noncitizens. The Attorney manages a caseload of family-based immigration matters and may handle other case types for those clients, including consular processing and matters before courts and immigration agencies. The position is based in Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska, and is not remote.

The Attorney works collaboratively with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff; supports clients through consular processing; represents adults and children in relevant Nebraska courts and immigration proceedings; and maintains accurate case records and deadlines. The role also requires regular client updates, clear communication about the risks and benefits of immigration relief, and participation in community outreach, education, and advocacy.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional flexibility required. The salary range is $70,000–$80,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Nebraska or able to obtain a Nebraska law license.
• Knowledge of immigration and nationality law or Nebraska family or juvenile law.
• Exceptional legal research and writing ability and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage confidential documents and communications professionally.
• Strong interpersonal communication and people skills.
• Commitment to CIRA’s mission and values and demonstrated commitment to public interest law.
• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with people of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender identities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Fluency with Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint, and ability to learn new data management software.
• Responsibility demonstrated through consistent attendance, effective time management, dependability, self-discipline, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work as part of a team and manage multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner.
• Integrity, a positive attitude, a mission-driven approach, and self-direction.
• Ability to think strategically, solve problems, exercise good judgment, and lead change.
• Openness to departmental and organizational changes and comfort working in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Ability to take initiative and make difficult decisions when necessary.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff serving clients who may qualify for family-based immigration relief.
• Support clients through consular processing by coordinating documentation, facilitating communication with clients and U.S. consulates abroad, and helping clients navigate procedures through case completion.
• Represent adult and child clients before Nebraska County and District Courts, USCIS, the Omaha Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• Manage a caseload of family-based immigration cases, including other case types for which clients may qualify.
• Represent clients in western Nebraska County and District Courts seeking predicate orders that may provide access to Special Immigrant Juvenile status.
• Contribute to targeted legal services, such as relief-specific legal clinics, for vulnerable populations seeking immigration relief.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and CIRA’s case management software, including activities, receipts, correspondence, filings, reminders, and deadlines.
• Track open and closed cases effectively using CIRA’s case management software.
• Maintain regular contact with clients, promptly return calls according to the Legal Procedures Manual, and keep clients informed about case status.
• Explain the risks and benefits of applying for immigration relief to clients.
• Record every client communication accurately in CIRA’s case management system.
• Contribute to outreach and education programs about family-based immigration benefits and advocate for noncitizens’ rights under U.S. law.
• Engage in community education and advocacy to promote accurate understanding of immigration law and policy and advocate for changes benefiting humanitarian and family-based immigrants.

Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off, including an employee birthday, and 9 paid holidays with a year-end holiday break.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution.
• Paid FMLA.
• Employee Wellness Program, including enriching snacks, support groups, and activities.
• Employee Assistance Program, including a life event referral program, five free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and an employee discount and savings program.
• Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Travel and expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree