Attorney Immigration - VAWA - Esperanza Center

Catholic Charities of Baltimore•Baltimore, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Esperanza Center seeks 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 (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security, and other administrative bodies. The role also provides guidance and supervision to law students, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys. The position supports the Esperanza Center’s mission of welcoming immigrants through compassionate services and opportunities to improve their lives. The attorney manages a high-volume caseload, handles client intake and legal research, maintains case files and program records, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed services. The role also includes pro bono attorney mentorship, community outreach and education, grant reporting, and participation in agency events. This is a one-year grant-funded position; continued employment depends on available funding. Hybrid work options are available, contingent on business needs, performance expectations, and agency policy.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) 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 set priorities, 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, and professionalism, including maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
Proficiency with computer systems and software, including basic Windows PC applications, web browsing, and Microsoft Outlook.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Manage a high-volume caseload across 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; and related motions and legal memoranda.
Represent clients 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, evaluate prospective clients’ eligibility and legal needs, and support case acceptance decisions and referrals.
Conduct legal research using AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act, Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and other 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.
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 functions.
Track case statistics and outcomes and contribute to program communications and grant reports.
Ensure services, practices, and procedures align with program and agency philosophy, professional standards, and applicable requirements.
Support fundraising campaigns and events and participate in program and Center-wide retreats, meetings, and events.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and agency objectives.