Immigration Attorney

Defender Association Of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

53d

About The Position

The Immigration Unit at the Defender Association of Philadelphia provides direct legal services in immigration law matters through the representation of clients in immigration court hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Court, and filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Immigration Unit also provides immigration analysis and advice to Defender Association attorneys for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. In addition, the Immigration Unit serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney must have a demonstrated commitment to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants as well as strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree required
• Admission to PA Bar required.
• Admission to practice in the Federal Courts required.
• Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, required.
• Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May have to lift up to 15 pounds
• Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Nice To Haves

• At least three (3) years of experience representing individuals in removal proceedings and before USCIS, preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Court
• Represent clients at interviews before USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Conduct research and prepare legal memos and briefs for immigration clients, including affirmative filings with USCIS, CPT, ICE and U.S. Department of State
• Conduct immigration interviews and consultations, including interviews of clients in custody
• Consult directly with Defender Association trial attorneys and staff representing immigration clients in criminal court
• Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff
• Serve as an office resource for immigration-related questions
• Collect and Maintain data related to direct representation of clients in immigration law matters

What This Job Offers

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