Managing Attorney, Children's Program

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (Amica Center)•Washington, DC

1h•$100,000 - $118,250•Hybrid

About The Position

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is hiring a Managing Attorney for its Children’s Program, which provides legal orientation and screening to detained migrant children in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as free legal services to children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody in the greater Capital Region. The program is collaborative and committed to high-quality, trauma-informed legal and social services, professional growth, mentorship, and work-life balance. The Managing Attorney provides direct legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children, supervises and trains staff attorneys and paralegals, works with program leadership on contractual and grant compliance, and helps implement the program’s long-term plans. The role manages a full-representation caseload involving immigration and related proceedings, supports pro bono attorneys, and contributes to program operations, organizational coordination, and stakeholder relationships. The position is based in the Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, Maryland, office. Amica Center has a hybrid work environment, with staff required to work in the office at least one day per week; this role may require additional in-person attendance and travel for hearings, detention-center visits, and program meetings. The role is full-time and exempt, reports to the Program Director, and has supervisory responsibility. Employees must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as described in the posting.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree.
At least three years of relevant experience in immigration law.
Management and supervision experience.
Written and oral fluency in Spanish.
Licensed to practice law in Maryland or Virginia, eligible to waive into either bar, or willing to sit for the next scheduled bar exam.
Valid driver’s license and comfort operating a vehicle upon hiring.
Favorable background-check results, including driving record, Child Protective Registry, and state and federal criminal records.
Commitment to principles of equity and inclusion.
Ability to work in a hybrid environment and fulfill responsibilities in person as required.
Ability to travel for work-related business.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with child clients.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload providing full legal representation to clients in removal proceedings before local immigration courts, USCIS, and state courts, including cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture protection, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-visas, and T-visas.
Mentor pro bono attorneys from area law firms handling children’s cases.
Supervise and train attorneys on full-representation and pro bono cases, including case strategy, trial preparation, and caseload management.
Manage potential-client follow-up after intake, including sponsor intake, assessment of legal relief, and case placement with in-house or pro bono attorneys.
Stay abreast of developments in the law and support staff training on legal developments.
Work with program leadership to set long-term program goals and ensure contractual compliance.
Support smooth operations of weekly visits to local government detention centers, including ensuring children receive Know Your Rights presentations and intake.
Assist other program staff with workload during high-work, low-bandwidth periods.
Coordinate with other Amica Center programs to share information and strategy.
Oversee timely and accurate entry of case information into shared databases.
Participate in stakeholder relationship activities with community groups, government agencies, detention-center staff, and other legal service providers.
Participate in internal committees and working groups, including as a member of an organizational leadership team.
Ensure administrative work for the attorney and supervisees, including timekeeping, file upkeep, and database entries, is completed.