Staff Attorney, Immigration

Ayuda

Location

Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Category

Attorney

Posted

March 31, 2023

Type

Full-Time

Description/Duties

Ayuda is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

Primary duties include the following.

  • Provide direct legal representation to low-income immigrants in a variety of matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), with a focus on serving immigrant survivors of intimate-partner violence, human trafficking, and other crimes, and vulnerable children and youth.
  • Provide legal representation to clients in especially difficult and/or novel cases, including appeals.
  • Participate in Ayuda’s efforts to bring about systemic change on behalf of our clients, including but not limited to participating in cases likely to have an extensive impact and participation in notice and comment process on proposed regulations.
  • Where necessary, advocate on behalf of clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement.
  • Represent Ayuda and our clients at local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings.
  • Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations and court rules.
  • Assist with preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and reports.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work model where in person attendance is required and employee must reside in DC, Maryland or Virginia. This position is exempt for overtime purposes.

Skills/Qualifications

Eligibility: 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. Satisfactory results from a background check to include criminal history and a search of the employee’s name against a national registry of sex offenders.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:

  • Spanish and English language skills required
  • Member in good standing with the DC bar or eligible to waive in to the D.C. bar based on other current bar membership.
  • 1-3 years’ experience practicing immigration law, including litigation and removal defense experience and experiencing representing survivors of trauma.
  • Strong legal, organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice.

Preferred:

  • A third language (other languages commonly spoken by Ayuda’s clients include Tagalog, French, Ixchil, other indigenous languages spoken in Central America, Portuguese, Arabic, and Amharic).
  • At least one year of experience supervising legal assistants, paralegals, and/or legal interns strongly
  • Availability to begin work as soon as possible (contingent on funder approval)

Compensation

The anticipated salary for this position is $64,000-$73,000 annually, commensurate with experience and prorated to the length of employment.

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

  • 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 100% employer paid
  • 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
  • New employees begin with 8 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/family 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. For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.

How To Apply

Please apply online with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1620666/Ayuda/Staff-Immigration-Attorney

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.

Back to Jobs List