Managing Attorney

International Institute of New England • Lowell, MA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The International Institute of New England (IINE) is seeking an energetic and committed Managing Attorney to oversee a small team providing high-quality immigration legal assistance. The role involves maintaining a personal caseload, including client screening, documentation, application submission, and client interviews, in addition to program and personnel management. IINE offers legal representation in affirmative immigration matters such as humanitarian cases, adjustment of status, and naturalization.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school.
• A current bar membership/license in good standing in any jurisdiction in the United States; MA or NH preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in immigration law practice with a preference for work in family and humanitarian-based immigration relief.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in management/staff supervision.
• Knowledge of immigration policies and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills – demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to act independently and in a team setting.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity; willingness to learn as much as possible about immigration law and to contribute to the smooth operation of the immigration legal program at IINE.
• A strong sense of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Effective communicator; should be comfortable working as part of a team and expressing innovative or critical ideas.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and ability to effectively navigate complex personnel matters.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with Case Management software (E-Immigration preferred), or a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Professional and/or volunteer experience working directly with marginalized populations.
• Must have access to a car and auto insurance.
• Position requires travel to IINE’s three offices, USCIS, and other locations in the Boston, Lowell, and Manchester areas.
• This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States, and IINE is unable to provide visa sponsorship in connection with this.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual candidates preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide immigration legal representation to low- and moderate-income individuals and families before USCIS.
• Attend USCIS Interviews at MA and NH field offices with clients as needed.
• Perform client intake, gathering sufficient facts and information to assess eligibility for immigration relief.
• Provide quality legal services at IINE sites and satellite offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester, traveling between offices as needed.
• Monitor and maintain an organized caseload, including maintaining proper client files and documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for immigration relief.
• Conduct legal research as necessary.
• Work closely with partner community-based organizations to ensure that clients receive holistic service addressing their many needs beyond legal representation.
• Remain current in best practices in immigration legal services, participating in continuing legal education (CLEs) programs as appropriate.
• Take direction on all legal matters from the Director of Immigration Legal Services, adjusting schedule, client load, and other duties as directed to meet all deadlines and requirements for each client matter.
• Manage legal team support staff to include Staff Attorney, Paralegal, DOJ Reps; and Legal Administrative Assistant.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to DOJ Representatives in their work, including review of prepared applications prior to filing.
• Assign long and short-term projects as needed to support staff and ensure all team members are fully trained and working efficiently.
• Assist in managing the ILS internship program, including interviewing intern candidates; intern selection; coordinating schedules; developing robust training programs; providing work assignments; supervision; and all administrative paperwork required by intern’s school officials.
• Maintain and update immigration database with detailed client case notes and changes to contact information.
• Support continuous updates to the Immigration Legal Services Policy and Procedure Handbook.
• Assist with creation and maintenance of client/grant trackers as new programs are developed within legal.
• Assist Director in planning pro bono and low bono legal services events such as pro se filing clinics, consultation clinics, and KYR presentations.
• All other duties assigned by supervisor/manager.

Benefits

• The job description mentions "resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship" as part of the organization's mission, which could imply benefits related to these areas for clients, but not explicitly for employees.
• The job description does not explicitly list employee benefits.

What This Job Offers

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