Staff Attorney

Min 2 yrs required

Full-time

No

inciple Purpose of the Job

The Staff Attorney will work on a team to provide pre-court counseling sessions and direct representation for unaccompanied children in front of the Department of Justice, including EOIR and the BIA, juvenile courts, and . Citizenship and Immigration Services. They will also provide "Know Your Rights" presentations and participate in outreach activities and collaborative projects within a national network of legal service providers for unaccompanied immigrant children.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

- Provide legal representation in immigration proceedings before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Arizona Juvenile Courts.
- Supervise legal assistants assigned to each case.
- Develop and recommend case strategy in accordance with immigration law and procedure.
- Conduct client assessments and collaborate with social workers to identify needs and make appropriate referrals.
- Attend team meetings and trainings, and stay current in immigration law and policy.
- Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality, and keep accurate case notes and records.
- Conduct case audits and participate in training on immigration procedures.
- Conduct intake interviews and provide "Know Your Rights" information to detained and non-detained unaccompanied immigrant children.
- Liaise with children's detention shelters and develop relationships with community partners and government organizations.
- Support advocacy, outreach, and development activities.
- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

- . and admission to any state bar.
- Commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients.
- Zealous support of the Florence Project's mission.
- Strong communication skills and legal research abilities.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and in high-volume settings.
- Problem solving, research, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
- High ethical standards and confidentiality.
- Ability to pass background checks and travel as required.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Computer proficiency.

Preferred Requirements

- License to practice in Arizona.
- Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish.
- Experience practicing before the Arizona Juvenile Courts, the Immigration Courts, BIA, or USCIS.
- Prior experience working with children/teenagers and trauma survivors or individuals with mental health issues.
- Experience providing direct representation to immigrants in removal proceedings, and extensive knowledge of immigration law.
- Prior advocacy work in immigrant rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights, criminal justice, or experience working with trauma survivors.
- Experience with databases and data tracking.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

- Operate in a professional office environment.
- Ability to sit for long periods of time with intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, pulling, and pushing.
- Ability to use standard office equipment.
- Ability to lift up to ten pounds.
- Regular travel between offices and work locations.
- Frequent time in children's shelter detention facilities and immigration courts.

Salary & Benefits

- Full-time position.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Excellent benefits, including medical, disability, retirement, vacation time, sick time, personal time, paid sabbatical, bereavement leave, and parental leave.
- Mileage reimbursement for travel.
- Relocation assistance available for out-of-state new hires.

Application Process

- Immediate opening.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
- Florence Project values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented communities.
- Let us know if accommodations are needed during the interview process.

Note: This job announcement is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. It does not include all job functions. This position is eligible for membership in the union Proyecto Solidaridad-FIRRP affiliated with OPEIU Local 251.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage, short term disability, retirement plan, paid time off, sabbatical leave, bereavement leave, organization-paid holidays, parental leave, mileage reimbursement, relocation assistance for out of state hires

Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish preferred

Legal representation, case strategy development, legal research, case management, client advocacy, public speaking, community outreach, collaboration, project management, fluency in Spanish

J.D. degree required, admission to any state bar required, license to practice in Arizona preferred

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references

Qualification and Experience J.D. degree and admission to any state bar, fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish preferred, experience practicing before immigration courts and juvenile courts preferred, experience working with children/teenagers and trauma survivors preferred

Legal