Immigration Law Attorney

API Chaya•Seattle, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

API Chaya supports and empowers survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking to gain safety, connection, and wellness. We build power by educating and mobilizing South Asian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and all immigrant communities to end exploitation, creating a world where all people can heal and thrive. This work is done through outreach and organizing our communities to end violence and oppression, as well as through support services for survivors. We work in diverse communities, including immigrants and refugees, young people, LGBTQ, faith-based, various ethnic and cultural groups, and people with disabilities. API Chaya is committed to addressing survivor centered and community centered needs as reflected by our strategic direction and theory of change. API Chaya is seeking an experienced Immigration Law Attorney who will provide legal consultations, case management, and limited direct representation including presence for court hearings, USCIS or ICE check ins. The attorney will work closely with our direct services team to provide survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking with information about legal processes and options available to them through the civil and criminal legal systems. The attorney should have extensive experience in representing clients in VAWA petitions, T Visas and U Visas. This individual should be aligned with API Chaya’s mission, vision and values, excel at trauma informed, survivor-centered advocacy, managing competing priorities and facilitating access to services for our clients.

Requirements

Work authorization in the United States
A license to practice law from Washington State Bar Association
At least 3 years or more of extensive professional experience providing direct representation on Immigration law matters such as VAWA, T-visa, deportation, U-visa, visa and/or EAD renewal etc.
Member of American Immigration Legal Association
WA state drivers license and reliable transportation
Ability to work independently and demonstrate excellent organizational skills to effectively complete competing priorities and responsibilities while meeting deadlines
Highly developed awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion, with evolved ability to practice appropriate, relevant and thoughtful strategies for working with diverse populations
Reliable Internet connection and proficiency in using MS Outlook, Excel, Word and Zoom.
Willing and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in languages other than English (Many of our clients communicate in Spanish, Asian, South Asian, and/or Pacific Islander language[s])
Experience working with interpreters and immigrants and LEP survivors of gender-based violence
Knowledge of and a deep demonstrated commitment to working against domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, trauma, victimization and gender-based violence
Familiarity with conditions and issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities
Experience with survivor-centered, trauma-informed services and/or other empowerment-based models
Experience working with law enforcement, probation, DSHS, and other government agencies

Responsibilities

Work in partnership with API Chaya’s survivor advocates and interns to provide culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate legal support services.
Screen and provide education and assistance with navigating various legal systems, as well as clients’ rights, responsibilities and risks when they engage with these systems.
Prepare clients' petitions in collaboration with survivor advocates and finalize petitions for filing.
Work with clients to prepare them for court appearances and appear in court with clients.
Provide representation particularly for limited English proficiency (LEP) survivors, underserved and most vulnerable.
Maintain up-to-date case records.
Complete relevant documentation and reporting of program activities, including monthly reports and assistance with grant reporting.
Attend relevant training and meetings.
Follows Washington state Rules of Professional Conduct and API Chaya’s client confidentiality policy and other procedures.
Maintain up to date information regarding emergent changes in immigration law policies and procedures as it relates to family based immigration including adjustment of status, H4 derivatives, VAWA, U and T visa applications
Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners in key organizations and various communities
Attend select local, regional and occasionally statewide and national meetings and conferences to ensure API Chaya's perspective and our constituents' needs are represented
Attend select local, county and occasionally statewide community planning meetings with public funders to promote API Chaya and its services and report on progress and unmet needs
Conduct trainings, provision of technical assistance, and speaking engagements
Assist Executive Director with grants proposals
Attend ongoing trainings to further professional development and stay up-to-date on relevant developments in field
Liaison with local, state and national organizations and systems when necessary to advocate for trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive legal services