Immigration Staff Attorney - Migration and Refugee Services

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Cleveland, OH

89d•Onsite

About The Position

Promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities by providing competent and reliable legal advice and counsel to immigrants in the service area. The attorney interviews and screens clients, provides legal advice, prepares submissions, and represents clients before immigration and other government agencies. The role manages a full caseload, maintains accurate client records, responds to inquiries, keeps current on immigration law, and supports grant-funded and fee-based legal initiatives. It also involves collaboration with colleagues, volunteers, clients, community organizations, and partners, as well as community-based educational initiatives and other assigned projects. The position operates in a normal office environment and requires travel throughout the service area, including to government and detention facilities, parishes, community groups, and other locations. Work includes extended computer and desk time, telephone calls, sitting, speaking, listening, court hearings, client interviews, frequent reading and writing, schedule coordination, data analysis, and light lifting as needed.

Requirements

J.D. or L.L.M. from an accredited law school in the United States.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.
Must have active status and a law license in good standing in the applicant’s state of admission, or have taken a state’s most recent bar exam with admission pending.
Attorneys licensed outside Ohio must apply for admission to practice in Ohio courts when eligible.
Experience working cross-culturally and comfort working with language barriers.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain a full caseload while participating in and/or managing multiple projects.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data understandably in oral and written formats.
Ability to work independently and be self-directed and self-motivated.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, holidays, or weekends.
Valid Ohio Driver’s License, subject to an annual Moving Vehicle Report check through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Good working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office software.
Final applicant must be fingerprinted and complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a foreign language is strongly preferred.
Experience working in immigration law is preferred; law school experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Ensure position activities and relevant programs are consistent with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland’s mission, vision, and values.
Interview and screen clients for legal services and provide brief advice and legal counsel when appropriate.
Prepare submissions and represent clients before USCIS, the Executive Office of Immigration Review, Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and other government entities.
Manage a full caseload, track case information in case management software, maintain paper and electronic client files, and support monthly and annual statistical and grant reporting.
Respond promptly to calls, messages, and requests from clients, attorneys, and government agencies.
Travel to government facilities, detention facilities, parishes, community groups, and other locations to represent or meet with clients and community members.
Comply with applicable professional conduct rules, including requirements for client confidentiality and handling physical and electronic files.
Maintain current knowledge of statutory, regulatory, policy, and procedural requirements related to immigration law.
Assist with implementation of grant-funded programs and fee-based legal initiatives.
Foster relationships with volunteers, clients, community agencies, related Catholic Charities organizations, and Catholic Charities employees.
Assist with community-based collaborative and educational initiatives as needed.
Work collaboratively with other attorneys, BIA-accredited representatives, paralegals, support staff, volunteers, and interns in the immigration program.
Perform other assigned duties and special projects as needed.