Attorney Immigration - VAWA - Esperanza Center

Immigration Legal Services•Baltimore, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Esperanza Center is seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation to low-income immigrants through the Immigration Legal Services program, primarily on cases supported by Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding. The attorney represents immigrant survivors of qualifying forms of violence and other eligible clients in immigration matters before federal immigration courts, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. The role also provides guidance and supervision to law students, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys. This position supports the Esperanza Center’s mission to welcome immigrants through compassionate services and opportunities to improve their lives. The Center provides education, healthcare, immigration legal services, family reunification services for unaccompanied immigrant children, and general community support. This is a one-year grant-funded position; continued employment depends on available funding.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, or equivalent law degree meeting applicable licensing requirements.
Active license to practice law and membership in good standing with the bar of at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
Knowledge of U.S. immigration law, regulations, and legal procedures.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills and a courteous, professional demeanor when working with people from diverse cultures.
Ability to work independently, manage pressure, and meet established deadlines.
Discretion, tact, professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
Proficiency with computer systems and software, including basic Windows PC applications, web browsing, and Microsoft Outlook.
Ability to meet the stated physical and work-environment demands, including extended periods of sitting or standing, movement between work sites, communication, repetitive hand and wrist motions, and sufficient hearing and vision to drive safely and communicate.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of humanitarian immigration relief, including protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other qualifying crimes.
Bilingual ability in Spanish.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive.

Responsibilities

Manage a high-volume caseload across a range of immigration matters, ensuring timely, accurate, and client-centered case strategy, preparation, and resolution.
Represent clients in immigration matters, including asylum, VAWA petitions and cancellation, special immigrant juvenile status, family-based petitions and visas, nonimmigrant visa processing, TPS, adjustment of status, naturalization, hardship waivers, cancellation of removal, U and T visas, motions, and legal memoranda.
Provide legal representation in custody and guardianship proceedings in Maryland Circuit Court, USCIS interviews, federal immigration courts, and other administrative proceedings.
Conduct telephonic and in-person intake interviews and consultations, assess prospective clients’ eligibility and legal needs, and support case acceptance decisions and referrals.
Conduct legal research using AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act, federal regulations, and other legal sources.
Maintain accurate, complete, timely, and confidential case files and documentation.
Recruit, train, and mentor pro bono attorneys serving as co-counsel on program and referred cases, providing guidance and oversight.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to coordinate comprehensive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services.
Conduct community outreach, education, presentations, and workshops, and represent the agency at community and professional events.
Track case statistics and outcomes and contribute to program communications and grant reports.
Ensure program services, practices, and procedures align with program and agency philosophy, professional standards, and applicable requirements.
Support fundraising campaigns and events; participate in program and Center-wide retreats, meetings, and events; and promote the Esperanza Center.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and agency objectives.