Immigration Staff Attorney, VA

Ayuda•Fairfax, VA

5d•$73,800 - $90,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Ayuda seeks an Immigration Staff Attorney to provide comprehensive legal representation to low-income immigrants, including survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, asylum-seekers, victims of crimes, families, and minors. The attorney will primarily be based in the Virginia office, with occasional visits to the DC and Maryland offices and travel to local immigration agencies and courts, including state courts. The position is hybrid, combining in-person and remote work, and is expected to require at least 1–2 days in the office per week on average. The role focuses on immigration representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, particularly for survivors of intimate-partner violence and human trafficking, and vulnerable children and youth. It also includes representing children who are or were in ORR custody in removal proceedings, Virginia state-court custody matters, and applications for other forms of relief. Additional work includes client advocacy with law enforcement, stakeholder and coalition engagement, staying current on relevant legal developments, and supporting grant applications, administration, and reporting.

Requirements

Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
A license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction is required.
Strong legal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position in a general office environment.

Nice To Haves

Membership in good standing with the Virginia bar or immediate eligibility for admission upon motion to the Virginia bar is strongly preferred.
Spanish language skills are strongly preferred.
Experience in immigration law; litigation and removal defense experience is a plus.
Experience working with children and/or child custody or guardianship petitions is a plus.
Experience working with survivors of trauma is a plus.
Availability to begin work as soon as possible, contingent on funder approval, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal representation to low-income immigrants in matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), focusing on survivors of intimate-partner violence and human trafficking and vulnerable children and youth.
Represent children in or formerly in ORR custody, including in removal proceedings, Virginia state-court custody matters, and applications for other forms of relief before USCIS.
Advocate, when necessary, for clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement.
Represent Ayuda and its client population at local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings.
Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations, and court rules.
Assist with preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Platinum-level medical insurance plan, 100% employer-paid.
Dental and vision insurance, 100% employer-paid.
Long-term disability insurance, 100% employer-paid.
Life and AD&D insurance, 100% employer-paid.
Pre-tax 401(k) with employer match on the first 3% of salary.
Vacation leave: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 days per year in years 3–7, and 33 days per year after 7 years of employment; employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
Health and Wellness (sick) leave: 5 days for new employees, with an additional 5 hours accrued per pay period, plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
24 paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break during the last week of the year.
Job-related professional development fees, including annual state bar dues and professional memberships.
Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.