Staff Attorney, Immigration Legal Services - Houston, TX

Church World Service • Houston, TX

94d

About The Position

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation to clients in accordance with the terms of CWS contracts with the funding sources. This position is responsible for case file reviews, court representation, and service provision.

Requirements

• JD degree with specialization in Immigration law.
• Must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (state Bar preferred).
• A minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience with immigration representation and other areas of Immigration Law, including asylum representation.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience supervising others.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office and internet applications.
• Driver’s license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for occasional, reimbursable local travel.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish, Dari, or Pashto language skills desired.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with clients; prepare clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Ensure adequate representation for CWS clients at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master/Individual Calendar Hearings; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Negotiate with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients.
• Draft supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepare and file immigration applications and motions; prepare other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Properly manage client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
• Conduct weekly file review to ensure that all case files are maintained appropriately as pertains to professional service delivery.
• Supervise support staff personnel to ensure successful achievement of daily activities as they pertain to Staff Attorney duties.
• Represent CWS/IRP at community-based organization meetings, and various Task Force meetings, related to immigration issues.
• Respond to requests for information posed by Staff and other legal service providers, as appropriate.
• Conduct legal research to support filed immigration applications.
• Provide legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of IRP legal and immigration services.
• Promote the CWS legal program through various media including newspaper, radio and television.
• Coordinate and plan outreach activities to achieve program goals.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, as requested.

Benefits

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees