Managing Attorney, Immigration Legal Services

International Rescue Committee•Abilene, TX

4d•$90,000 - $92,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks a Managing Attorney to lead its Immigration Legal Services program in Dallas and Abilene. This role requires residency in one of these locations and consistent travel to the other office. The Managing Attorney will oversee the program, which provides low-cost immigration legal services to refugees, immigrants, and other community members for family reunification, adjustment of status, and naturalization applications before USCIS. The ideal candidate will possess legal expertise, a passion for immigration law, and the ability to motivate and mentor a team in a fast-paced environment. This position will collaborate closely with community partners and the Legal Services Technical Unit (TU) at IRC’s headquarters.

Requirements

Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and member in good standing of any state bar.
5 years’ experience or more providing direct representation in immigration court and before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking relief from removal.
At least 2 years of experience providing supervision to attorneys and/or DOJ accredited representatives in a legal services context.
Experience with affirmative applications before USCIS (eg, adjustment of status, naturalization, I-130s).
Strong legal supervision skills and superb legal judgment.
Ability to oversee and provide supervision on a reasonably high case volume and work under time pressure.
Experience organizing and facilitating immigration workshops and immigration information sessions.
Experience overseeing annual budgets and leading fundraising efforts, including identifying funding opportunities, managing grant processes, and building relationships with donors and community partners.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Deep commitment to working with humanitarian immigrants.
Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.
Desire to join a team working to protect due process and immigrant rights.
Must have ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners.

Nice To Haves

Program management experience preferred.
Bilingual in one or more languages preferred (eg, Spanish, French, Arabic).

Responsibilities

Oversee legal strategy through daily direct supervision of a team of legal practitioners, including attorneys and Department of Justice-accredited representatives.
Employ adaptive management techniques to provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans.
Develop and monitor intake procedures, case acceptance policies, and caseload targets and limits.
Provide direct legal representation to a limited caseload of individuals where applicable, including on applications for with USCIS.
Actively co-facilitate and support grant opening, grant review, and grant closing meetings, and lead all aspects of grant cycle, including developing/implementing monitoring & evaluation plans.
Ensure program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately and reported timely, using IRC’s legal case management database and other relevant case management systems.
Ensure effective integration of internships and volunteers within programs.
Collaborate with other IRC program areas as appropriate to ensure client-centered service.
Establish, maintain and periodically refresh legal services program policies and procedures in collaboration with IRC’s Legal Services Technical Unit; oversee and/or conduct regular case file reviews (paper files and electronic case files) to ensure compliance with legal case management procedures.
Create and maintain a viable outreach strategy to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, the private bar, and nonprofit legal providers; pursue program initiatives with partners that further goals and address unmet demand.
Serve on Senior Management Team/Leadership Team.
Partner with local leadership to secure resources that advance program goals, including supporting grant research, proposal development, fundraising efforts, and engagement with foundations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Work closely with the HQ Legal Services Technical Unit and field offices as part of IRC’s immigration network.
Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave
10 U.S. holidays
20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure
Medical insurance starting at $163/month
Dental starting at $6.50/month
Vision starting at $5/month
Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter)
A 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting)
Non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
Disability and life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.