SUMMARY:

The Immigration Attorney will carry out all key contract activities related to legal services for unaccompanied children. The attorney will prepare cases for children in or recently released from ORR custody, up to age 18. Representation includes all immigration-related matters, such as state court proceedings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), removal defense, appeals, Know Your Rights presentations, and legal screenings. Other legal assistance for unrepresented children may include legal referrals or referrals to supportive services (e.g., child advocates or social services); individual or group preparation for immigration court appearances; assistance with immigration-related custody or placement matters (such as release requests for children aging out of ORR custody); and support with filing immigration paperwork, including Change of Venue, Change of Address, employment authorization documents (EADs), or I-94 corrections.

The position is based out of the Newport News office and requires frequent travel throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond, and to the Immigration Court (EOIR) in Arlington.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Coordinate all aspects of a minor’s case, including client communication, relevant research, drafting personal statements, preparing immigration forms, writing briefs, drafting court motions and orders, and advocacy with law enforcement and other agencies.

• Conduct regular visits with children in ORR custody and maintain documentation of contact

• Assist in the supervision of volunteers and student interns, solicit support from volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and others to assist with the provision of services when necessary.

• Supervise the work of the legal fellow, ensuring the quality and ethical handling of their cases

• Hold biweekly supervisory meetings with legal team to discuss cases and ensure high-quality service provision

• Submit reports and invoices on time and with accuracy

• Maintain organized case files using a combination of physical and digital file management strategies

• Participate as needed in agency and program-wide data collection and strategic planning.

• Participate in meetings with immigration legal service community-based organizations.

• Participate on a periodic basis in naturalization workshops.

• Ensure client fees are assessed and collected per retainer agreements.

• Maintain client database and files and accordance with program/legal requirements and CCC guidelines.

• Comply with all legal and ethical standards.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to manage a substantial workload with deadline pressures.

• Competence in communicating and interacting with others of diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds in a professional and compassionate manner, including interacting with individuals experiencing substantial levels of emotional, physical, financial, or other hardship.

• Familiar with and/or committed to trauma-informed legal services

• Represents the Agency in the community and workplace in a professional and ethical manner.

• Demonstrates sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, oral, and written skills.

• Utilizes a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.