Supervising Attorney

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) • Houston, TX

90d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervising Attorney, UAC Legal Services, supports a newly awarded ORR grant providing direct legal services to unaccompanied children currently in ORR care. The work includes legal orientations, legal consultations, direct legal representation, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The role supervises Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants in the assigned region, oversees legal orientations, and provides consultations and direct representation to children in ORR care.

Direct representation may include immigration court proceedings and motions, voluntary departure, SIJS, affirmative and defensive asylum, T visas, U visas, VAWA, adjustment of status, TPS, and EADs. Duties listed are essential functions but are not exhaustive; other job-related duties may be assigned by supervisors.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with a state bar.
• At least 5 years of removal defense experience representing unaccompanied children.
• Prior experience working with children and/or youth.
• At least 2 years of experience supervising attorneys and/or staff.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and editing skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish proficiency.
• Demonstrated support for USCRI’s values, including respect for others, maintaining confidential information, and appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants in the assigned region.
• Oversee the caseloads of Staff Attorneys.
• Mentor and guide Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants as needed.
• Oversee and, as needed, conduct legal orientations for unaccompanied children in shelters concerning their rights and responsibilities in the immigration system.
• Conduct legal consultations with unaccompanied children and assess options related to their legal cases.
• Provide direct legal representation to unaccompanied children currently in ORR care who have not left the United States.
• Handle immigration court representation, including Master Calendar Hearings, Individual Hearings, motions, and voluntary departure.
• Provide representation involving SIJS, affirmative and defensive asylum, T visas, U visas, VAWA, adjustment of status, TPS, and EADs.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree