Managing Attorney - Immigration Legal Services. - Church World Service
Houston, TX
About the Job
| Reports to: | Site Director |
| Location/Work Arrangement: | Houston, TX - Hybrid |
| Salary Minimum: | $75,200 |
| Salary Maximum: | $94,000 |
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.
Purpose:This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Legal Services Department including supervision of program staff and case review. The incumbent also provides legal representation on a variety of humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA with special focus on refugees, asylum seekers, and parolees.
Responsibilities:- Supervises legal work and staff/interns of the Immigrant and Refugee Program Legal Services team. Assigns and reviews cases.
- Supervises the provision of core services including legal screenings and Know Your Rights.
- Assists the Houston Site Director in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing reports, and writing grant renewals.
- Provides in-house training to staff across legal programs.
- Develops and coordinates pro bono attorney project for the Legal Services program.
- Ensures adequate representation for legal caseload at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews; Asylum Hearings; Master Calendar Hearings; Motions to change venue, re-calendar, terminate and suppress; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- Negotiates with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients.
- Conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications. Drafts supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepares and files immigration applications and motions; prepares other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Properly manages client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests.
- Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants and asylum seekers.
- Provides legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of CWS.
- Informs of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
- Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
- Undertakes other duties as assigned.
Education and Licensing:
Law degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (preferably Texas)
Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years Professional Experience, including graduate education, required with at least 2 years as a Legal Supervisor.
- At least 3 years of Experience working in Immigration Law preferred.
- Experience in asylum law, Special Immigration Juvenile Status, and removal proceedings strongly preferred.
- Excellent legal writing, research, and analytical abilities.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to provide staff supervision, mentorship, and training.
- Ability to work within a client-led, trauma-informed framework.
- Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment.
- Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet deadlines.