Staff Attorney- DMV Habeas Project, Immigration Impact Lab

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

31d•$61,500 - $67,500•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Staff Attorney to help expand the Lab's detention-related district court litigation, with a focus on habeas petitions challenging prolonged immigration detention among other matters. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for representing individuals in district court actions and mentoring external pro bono attorneys and non-profit attorneys in district court litigation. Their representation and mentoring efforts will contribute to building the Lab’s DMV Habeas Project, a new project focused on district court representation challenging immigration detention person. A Staff Attorney in the Immigration Impact Lab works with the team to meet the Lab’s goals, including (i) conducting legal research, case development, and written pleadings involving a host of issues that touch on novel immigration claims; (ii) the provision of direct legal services to immigrants through litigation in the district courts, and (iii) working with pro bono attorneys through co-counseling, mentoring, and trainings.

Requirements

JD.
Basic experience in district court litigation, including relevant skills such as navigating rules of civil procedure and local rules, hearings, and negotiations with opposing counsel.
At least 2 years of experience in immigration law.
Demonstrated exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, including coalition partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
Strong ability to implement new initiatives.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of productivity.
Strong legal research, writing, and analysis skills, enabling them to effectively present legal arguments, draft legal documents, and analyze complex legal issues.

Nice To Haves

A solid understanding of the laws governing immigration detention and a basic understanding of habeas petitions challenging immigration detention. The ability to analyze complex legal precedent, develop innovative arguments, and provide sound legal advice to clients and team members.
Active license to practice law.
Admission to the Virginia bar.
Considerable experience in district court litigation including immigration habeas petitions.

Responsibilities

Litigate strategic cases in district court, primarily habeas petitions, on behalf of detained immigrants nationwide, with a focus on people detained in Maryland and Virginia. Cases may also involve challenges to the use of the Alien Enemies Act and other emerging detention challenges.
Identify potential cases and maintain relationships with referral channels, which will require close coordination with stakeholders, including immigration non-profits, law school clinics, and private immigration attorneys serving these areas.
Mentor pro bono attorneys on detention-related district court litigation, with a focus on habeas petitions. This will include providing feedback and guidance on legal strategy and helping attorneys prepare for federal court arguments.
Develop and refine training programs and materials for the Lab team and external pro bono and non-profit attorneys on detention-related district court litigation. This may involve conducting training sessions, creating template briefings and educational materials, updating existing materials, and identifying opportunities for continuous learning.
Collaborate with the Lab Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Managing Attorney, and Development/Communications team to raise awareness about the DMV Habeas Project and its potential impact on the region with stakeholders, media, and funders.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and partner organizations for the Project, including immigration attorneys, advocacy groups, and community organizations to build case referral, co-counseling, and post-release coordination opportunities, leverage limited resources, and amplify the Project’s impact.
Participate in Amica Center stakeholder relation activities, such as in-person and virtual meetings and convenings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers.
Coordinate across teams (particularly with the Detained Adult Program (DAP)) on case strategy and to ensure Programs are kept abreast of developments in detention-related litigation efforts and the DMV Habeas Project.

Benefits

Free gym access located in Washington, D.C (dependent on employee’s primary office)
Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor
Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV
Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (Amica Center pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information)
Life Insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long- and short-term disability
The option to set up a Flexible Spending Account
High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a one-time employer contribution of $350 to the Health Savings Account (HSA)
The option to set up a 403(b) savings account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profit organizations) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment
23 Personal Days per calendar year
Up to 20 days of Sick Time per calendar year
7 hours of Volunteer Time Off per calendar year
Federal holidays
Paid winter break closure around the end of each year
12 weeks of parental leave