Staff Attorney (40332)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Staff attorneys will be responsible for zealously representing individuals pursuing benefits or seeking relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Staff Attorney works as a team with Legal Assistant and other staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct representation to a large caseload of individuals and/or families in immigration matters. Legal representation may be before the Immigration Court (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Administrative Appeals Office, in custody matters before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Asylum Office, State and federal courts, Department of State, agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and in credible/reasonable fear interviews and applications for affirmative relief before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),
• Conducts thorough immigration screenings for consultees to assess for immigration relief, including explanation of their rights and available options, benefits and risks of applying, processes, and costs if any,
• Coordinates for additional client services as necessary with the Litigation Unit, the RAICES Bond Fund, The Social Programs, and Advocacy Department, 
• Ensures entry to timely, accurate, and detailed case data according to grantor provisions and as required by RAICES, 
• Contributes to grant reporting, as applicable, 
• Supervises case work of assigned Legal Assistants, Senior Legal Assistants, Interns, or other non-legal staff as applicable,
• Represents RAICES in occasional community presentations, outreach, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and/or media interviews, 
• Provides pro se assistance to prospective clients and,
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Current bar membership in good standing within the United States.
• Barred in Texas is preferred, may be required if specified to meet Grant Requirements.
• Grant requirements may include bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency.
• Able to pass a Federal Background Check.

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience with Immigration Law, Family Law, and Criminal Law.
• Law school experience will be considered.
• Experience in immigration and/or criminal law, preferred.
• A current bar membership in good standing. Barred in Texas is preferred but not required.

Attributes

• Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values – Empowerment, Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion and being proactive,
• Able to communicate cross-culturally and work in a multicultural setting with patience and compassion with diverse individuals,
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team,
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Candidates scheduled for or awaiting bar exam results may be considered dependent upon applicant pool.  Offers for these candidates will be contingent upon successful completion of the bar exam within 12 months of the first day of employment.

Hybrid Workplan

PLEASE NOTE:  Employees are expected to live within the assigned geographic location to commute to and from the office or assigned on-site location(s) as business or client needs require.
 

• Currently, all interviews are virtual. 
• All positions will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location.
• Applicants must reside in the state of Texas.
• Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.
   

Sign-On Bonus: Eligible candidates for this role will receive a one-time sign-on bonus of $5,000, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

RAICES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.