Staff Attorney, Immigration Legal Services - Church World Service

About CWS:

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:

To provide legal representation on a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters before DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA with initial special focus on Afghans evacuated under Operation Allies Welcome.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts legal screenings and prepares clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Ensures adequate representation for CWS clients at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration and Asylum Interviews, Asylum Hearings; Master Calendar Hearings; 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 assess eligibility for benefits/relief and support pending 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, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, and asylum seekers.
• Provides legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of CWS local office legal and immigration services.
• Assists leadership in preparing reports and compiling data as requested.
• Keeps supervisor informed of complaints, issues and/or problems for timely investigation and resolution.
• Works closely with supervisor to keep informed about immigrant issues.
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and be an active member with any state bar in the U.S.;
• Texas bar preferred.
• Experience with immigration representation and other areas of immigration law, including asylum representation and working with vulnerable populations.

 

Experience:

• 6 years of experience to include graduate training or work experience. Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law desired.

 

Other Skills: 

• Spanish, Dari, or Pashto language skills desired. Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.
• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office and internet applications.
• Driver’s license in good standing required as well as reliable personal vehicle for occasional, reimbursable local travel.

Special Requirements:

Hybrid schedule will vary and be subject to change as needed based on client and/or organizational needs (usually at least two days a week in the office/three remote). 

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts