MD Immigration Staff Attorney

Ayuda•Silver Spring, MD

About The Position

To provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrants involving clients that are survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, asylum-seekers, victims of crimes, families, and minors, in Maryland. Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

Requirements

Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school;
Licensed to practice law any state, district or territory of the United States is required.
Eligibility to waive into the Maryland bar immediately required.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills; must be comfortable presenting in public and in oral arguments before the courts.
Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team, including in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, external partners, and client communities.
Strong work ethic, discrete, resourceful, and able to maintain confidentiality.
Detail-oriented.
Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to meet assigned and self-imposed deadlines.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Excellent customer service skills.
Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.
Decisive, with ability to exercise independent judgment.
Ability to understand legal ethical obligations and understand when and how to seek appropriate supervision.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to devote interest and attention to learning other new software programs and web-based applications, including Ayuda’s electronic case-management system LegalServer

Nice To Haves

Individuals licensed to practice in Maryland are strongly preferred.
1-2 years of experience providing immigration legal services to low-income individuals preferred.
Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish highly preferred.
Knowledge of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including detailed knowledge of humanitarian immigration relief (asylum, U and T Visas, VAWA, SIJS) in addition to the family-based immigration process is preferred
Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations
experience with LegalServer strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

As Staff Attorney you will represent low-income immigrants, including victims of crime and children.
Conduct intakes and represent victims of crime in immigration matters, including SIJS, asylum,??VAWA petitions, U and T Visa applications, DACA and removal proceedings;
Represent clients in immigration matter before USCIS, ICE, DOS and EOIR, as well as MD State Court to obtain SIJS predicate orders; represent clients in federal courts in APA and/or mandamus actions;
Provide victim witness orientation and accompaniment when appropriate;
Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives;
Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws and regulations;
Train area service providers and government agencies, including law enforcement;
Conduct outreach presentations to potential clients;
Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services;
Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of legal interns, volunteers, paralegals and legal assistants;
Contribute to Ayuda’s pro bono program through mentoring at clinics and mentoring pro bono pipeline cases.
Assist with preparation of grant applications and reports; and
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 first 3% of salary
Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave
24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
Flexible work schedules