Immigration Attorney / DOJ Accredited Representative

Catholic Charities USA•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Staff Attorney provides direct immigration legal services to low-income individuals, including consultations and representation before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and, as needed, in Immigration Court removal proceedings. The role ensures legal services comply with applicable state and local requirements, Catholic Charities policies, and the organization’s codes of ethics and conduct. The position may coordinate and supervise legal volunteers, interns, and externs; conduct trainings for legal service providers, community partners, and law students; and participate in community outreach and education. Some travel is required for trainings and outreach, as well as travel between sites in Portland. The role also represents Catholic Charities at community functions and other events, participates in assigned trainings and meetings, and performs other duties as assigned. The position requires a JD from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar or DOJ accreditation. One year of immigration law experience is preferred. Candidates need strong English and Spanish communication skills, sound judgment with confidential matters, strong organizational and analytical abilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A flexible schedule may include some evenings and weekends. The job requires lifting up to 40 pounds and a driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and agency-required automobile insurance.

Requirements

JD degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in any state or DOJ Accreditation.
Ability to communicate concisely and effectively in Spanish and English, verbally and in writing.
Ability to work with standard office programs, including MS Office, and immigration specialized case management software.
Demonstrate judgment and discretion when handling confidential matters.
Commitment to Catholic Charities’ mission to partner with vulnerable populations to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.
Ability to organize and prioritize work, take initiative, follow through, and manage multiple priorities to meet goals in a timely manner; high attention to detail.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently, and to adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, potentially including some evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift 40 pounds.
Ability to travel between sites in Portland; must have a driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and the ability to obtain automobile insurance at agency-required levels.
Satisfactory pre-employment criminal and civil background screening results; motor vehicle records review as needed.

Nice To Haves

One year of previous experience practicing immigration law is preferred.
Experience with Law Logix is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct immigration legal services to low-income individuals.
Provide legal consultations and representation.
Represent clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in matters including family-based petitions, waivers, consular processing, adjustment of status, asylum, and humanitarian parole.
Represent clients in removal proceedings in Immigration Court as needed.
Ensure assigned legal services comply with applicable state and local regulatory requirements, Catholic Charities Board Policies, Social Service Division Policies, and the Catholic Charities Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.
Coordinate and supervise legal volunteers, interns, and externs, if needed.
Conduct trainings for legal service providers, community partners, and law students; some travel is required, if needed.
Conduct community outreach and education events; some travel is required.
Represent CCILS at community functions and other events as requested or needed.
Participate in trainings and meetings assigned by management, a supervisor, and/or Human Resources.
Adhere to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision plans
Alternative care benefits for the employee
100% employer-paid life insurance
100% employer-paid long-term disability
Voluntary disability coverage
Voluntary supplemental life insurance
Employee assistance program
Paid time off, including vacation time, sick time, and personal days
13 paid holidays per year, plus additional holiday pay for Agency closure from Christmas through New Year’s
403(b) retirement plan
Free parking
Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness government-sponsored education loan repayment program