Managing Attorney

Lutheran Services in Iowa • Des Moines, IA

1d

About The Position

As one of Iowa's most trusted human services agencies, LSI has a legacy of serving children, adults, and families for more than 160 years. Our Refugee and Immigrant Services lift up hundreds of new Iowans each year through educational classes and wellness programming, and our economic development services help them build a solid foundation in their new home. From creating small businesses to helping individuals save money for major purchases, you can make a difference and empower your newest neighbors. The Managing Attorney will provide strategic leadership for Lutheran Services in Iowa's Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, compliant, and mission‑driven legal services to immigrant and refugee communities across multiple sites. The position is responsible for program implementation, development, and growth, including supervision of DOJ Accredited Representatives and Legal Assistants; provision of direct legal representation, primarily in affirmative applications before USCIS; and oversight of staff capacity-building, data integrity, and program compliance. The Managing Attorney collaborates closely with IRCS leadership and community partners to strengthen service delivery, advance advocacy efforts, and respond effectively to evolving immigration policies.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law and eligibility for admission to the Iowa Bar.
• A minimum of five years of immigration law experience.
• At least two years in a supervisory or management role.
• Competency in technology necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to use available technology effectively (voice mail, computer software, data information system as required).
• Ability to build and maintain meaningful professional relationships with volunteers using strong interpersonal skills, sensitivity techniques, and rapport-building abilities, while considering linguistic and cultural factors.
• Ability to effectively manage volunteer program crises by conducting immediate assessments, emergency planning, taking decisive action, and providing timely follow-up to ensure resolution.
• Ability to deliver services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, collaborating with staff and community partners to coordinate services.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment while providing the highest quality service to volunteers is an essential job requirement.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with others in defined work teams through interpersonal sensitivity, independence and teamwork balance, and through knowledge of community resources and services.
• Comprehensive understanding of services through the successful and practical application of basic knowledge of refugee experience, an understanding of social service systems, varying community resources, crisis intervention, case management and advocacy.
• Valid driver's license.
• Auto insurance.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to pass an extensive background check including checks of the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and a criminal history check.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Lutheran Services in Iowa's Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and mission-driven legal services to immigrant and refugee communities across multiple sites.
• Manage program implementation, development, and growth.
• Supervise DOJ Accredited Representatives and Legal Assistants.
• Provide direct legal representation, primarily in affirmative applications before USCIS.
• Oversee staff capacity-building, data integrity, and program compliance.
• Collaborate with IRCS leadership and community partners to strengthen service delivery, advance advocacy efforts, and respond effectively to evolving immigration policies.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• A 401(k)
• Generous paid time off
• A flexible work schedule
• Health, dental, life, and vision insurance
• Career-building opportunities
• Special Team LSI perks like gym discounts, pet insurance, and cell phone discounts through Verizon

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager