Senior Supervising Attorney
About The Position
CWJC seeks a Senior Supervising Attorney (SSA) to join its legal management team and assist in supervising the work of its immigration advocates who are based in Western Mass. The program's immigration unit handles cases involving the full range of humanitarian-based immigration law matters, including but not limited to removal defense, VAWA petitions, U and T visas, SIJ petitions, and asylum cases. The unit has a large administrative law caseload before the Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Unit advocates also practice in state family court and have a growing federal court caseload. The SSA will co-supervise the legal work of the unit; assist with coordinating the training of staff and the community in immigration issues; keep abreast of legal developments in the unit's areas of practice and serve as a legal resource for the program in the area of humanitarian immigration relief; and maintain a reasonable caseload of complex and/or systemic cases. In addition, the SSA will assist in writing annual performance reviews of the unit's staff and will assist in writing grant applications and reports. Central West Justice Center (CWJC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA). Together, CWJC and CLA have over 180 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices in Central and Western Massachusetts. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities. CWJC has a hybrid workplace and requires staff to work in one of its physical offices a minimum of three days per week. The SSA will be required to work at least two of those in-person days in CWJC's Springfield office. The SSA may work the other in-person days in Springfield, Pittsfield, Worcester, or Fitchburg.
Requirements
- Ability to calmly and thoughtfully work with advocates who help clients facing many challenges in a stressful, high-stakes environment.
- At least five years of experience practicing immigration law, with a specialty in humanitarian-based relief.
- Admission to Mass. Bar and federal district court are required, or willingness and eligibility to become admitted to both once hired.
- Experience with low-income immigrant populations, ability to work collaboratively, and strong mentoring/supervision and communication skills.
- The candidate must have access to reliable transportation and be willing to travel throughout CWJC's five-county service area in Central/Western Mass and to immigration agency appointments and court hearings with clients in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese preferred.
Responsibilities
- Co-supervise the legal work of the unit
- Assist with coordinating the training of staff and the community in immigration issues
- Keep abreast of legal developments in the unit's areas of practice and serve as a legal resource for the program in the area of humanitarian immigration relief
- Maintain a reasonable caseload of complex and/or systemic cases
- Assist in writing annual performance reviews of the unit's staff
- Assist in writing grant applications and reports
Benefits
- 401(k) with employer-paid contribution
- Low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents
- Malpractice insurance
- Paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays)
- Law school loan repayment assistance
- Relocation stipend
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
