Victim Witness Jobs

About The Position

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 preferred.
• Individuals licensed to practice in Maryland are strongly preferred (eligibility to waive into the Maryland bar immediately required).
• Applicants who are awaiting admission, bar results, or registered for the next available bar examination are still encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations
• 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
• Experience with LegalServer strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Individuals licensed to practice in Maryland are strongly preferred (eligibility to waive into the Maryland bar immediately required).
• Applicants who are awaiting admission, bar results, or registered for the next available bar examination are still encouraged to apply.
• 1-2 years of experience providing immigration legal services to low-income individuals preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish highly preferred.
• Experience with LegalServer strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 matters before USCIS, ICE, DOS and EOIR, as well as Maryland Circuit Courts 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.