Summary

The Senior Attorney has responsibility for providing accurate and comprehensive legal advice to CLINIC’s network of charitable immigration legal services organizations (“CLINIC affiliates”) through the Ask the Experts portal, conducting trainings (both in-person and virtually), and authoring articles and other legal resource materials. The attorney must analyze and apply immigration law principles to complex questions and fact scenarios. The attorney also oversees the remaining cases of CLINIC’s BIA Pro Bono Project as the project winds down.

Primary Responsibilities

BIA Pro Bono Project Management

• Manage the wind-down of the BIA Pro Bono Project, maintain relationships with stakeholders, and oversee remaining project cases pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Provide technical assistance and mentorship to pro bono attorneys handling remaining project cases on procedure and substantive immigration law matters including appeals, removal defense, asylum, and immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
• Oversee administrative aspects of the project such as maintaining case files in CLINIC’s case management system and ensuring that each has the requisite documents.
• Share descriptions of cases for representation within the project’s pro bono network when cases are remanded to immigration court or for appeal to a U.S. circuit court of appeals.
• Maintain current statistics and data on the project and provide the Director of Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) with information needed for reporting purposes.

Technical Assistance and Training

• Maintain a broad knowledge and understanding of U.S. immigration law and be informed about changes in immigration regulations and policies.
• Provide accurate and comprehensive legal advice to CLINIC affiliates through the Ask the Experts portal on the practice of law as well as procedural and substantive immigration law matters including, but not limited to, family-based immigration, naturalization, humanitarian relief, removal defense, and immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
• Assist in preparing trainings on substantive immigration law topics.
• Conduct in-person and remote trainings and webinars in collaboration with other CLINIC and external subject matter experts.
• Partner with CLINIC’s Field Engagement team to:
  • assess topics for training and resources based on affiliate inquiries and feedback;
  • determine areas for continued excellence or improvement in providing training and technical assistance;
  • coordinate and collaborate on affiliate cohort sessions as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records in CLINIC’s data management system.
• As assigned, accept opportunities to speak at conferences on immigration law issues.
• Exercise independent legal judgment.

Writing

• As assigned, write articles and assist in updating CLINIC’s legal reference materials.
• Assist CLINIC’s Advocacy section on select issues including analyzing and drafting comments to proposed regulations, changes in policy guidance and revisions to immigration forms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Minimum of eight (8) years of immigration law practice including practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals and circuit courts of appeals.
• Preference given to those with experience in family-based immigration, removal defense, humanitarian relief, naturalization, and/or immigration consequences of crimes.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of the highest court in any State or the District of Columbia
• Strong legal analytical skills
• Ability to travel on occasion for trainings and conferences
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Other

• Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organizations mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Occasional travel may be required to attend CLINIC’s board of directors meetings, and other special events
• The work you will do is covered by a collective employment agreement between Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. "CLINIC" and the Nonprofit Professional Employees' Union "NPEU" Local 70. Please contact your local union representative at clinicworkersunited@gmail.com with any union-related questions.
• Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff abide by the following Organization Behaviors
  • Serve with integrity
  •  Develop innovative solutions
  •  Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network
  • Cultivate constructive relationships
  •  Model stewardship
  •  Maintain a positive attitude
  •  Exhibit leadership skills and initiative
  •  Communicate effectively
  •  Own your work
  • Teamwork and cooperation with colleagues
  • Resolve conflicts effectively and make effective decisions

Salary Range

• $87,000 - $93,000

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment

CLINIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. CLINIC also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

If you’re interested in applying for this vacancy, please click here.