Immigration - General Attorney in Lima, OH

Public Interest

Lima, OH

Immigration - General Attorney in Lima, OH

Attorney

Min 2 yrs required

No

Job Title:
STAFF ATTORNEY
Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group

Job Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in Franklin County in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review and in affirmative applications before . Citizenship and Immigration Services. This includes applications for asylum, temporary protected status, VAWA self-petitions, U and T nonimmigrant statuses, adjustment of status, and naturalization.
- Lead monthly or semi-monthly legal clinics in Lima, Ohio, under the guidance of a supervising or managing attorney and with the support of paralegal and administrative staff.
- Work collaboratively with the organization's community organizer to build and maintain relationships with Lima-based social service and community-based organizations.
- Build and maintain relationships with pro bono attorneys who volunteer at legal clinics and provide training and supervision as appropriate.
- Conduct Know Your Rights presentations to client community groups and occasional substantive immigration training courses for service providers.
- Synthesize clinic and individual case outcomes and metrics for funder and community reporting.
- Provide client stories and assist the managing attorney with other grant reporting requirements for the Lima and Columbus-based projects.
- Collaborate and advocate with impacted community members to further issues identified by community leaders, using a community lawyering approach.
- Maintain a good working knowledge of procedures for federal, state, and local courts and administrative agencies.
- Develop a strong understanding of immigration law and monitor legal developments.
- Establish and maintain a good working relationship with other legal services programs, community-based organizations, social service agencies, public officials, and other individuals or groups that may be involved in the provision of legal services to people impacted by poverty.
- Handle a reasonable volume of cases and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
- Actively participate in practice group initiatives to implement Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with courts, bar associations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Assist in resolving complaints and grievances from applicants and clients.
- Complete required administrative tasks, including time records and case reports.

Education and Experience Information:
Minimum Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next bar examination.
- Strong commitment to the organization's mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and poverty law.
- Excellent legal, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred Requirements:
- Minimum of two years of legal experience in immigration law.
- Experience in interagency cooperation, collaboration, and community engagement.
- Experience managing projects, directing legal clinics, or grant reporting desired, but not required.
- Fluency in Spanish preferred, but not required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
- May supervise paralegals or legal assistants as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a normal office environment.
- Experienced candidates may be eligible for remote work based out of the Columbus or Lima areas.
- Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Salary Information:
- The annual salary range for this position starts at $68, to $90, depending on experience.
- The organization offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, and paid parental leave.
- This position can be based remotely out of Lima, Columbus, or in the organization's Dayton office.

Other Information:
- The organization is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity.
- The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in the workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability.
- The organization strives to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and encourages applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession.
- Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator.

Note: This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. The organization can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. The organization will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.