Asylum Attorney in Immokalee, FL

Public Interest

Immokalee, FL

Asylum Attorney in Immokalee, FL

Attorney

Min 5 yrs required

No

Job Title: Migrant Unit Staff Attorney

Job Responsibilities:

The Migrant Unit Staff Attorney is responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to migrant farm workers and their families across the State of Florida. The primary focus is on legal issues related to employment, housing, public benefits, and civil rights. Key duties include:

- Providing legal assistance in matters such as unemployment, wage theft, discrimination, housing, labor-based U-visas, and labor trafficking.
- Co-counseling cases across Florida and other states.
- Leading community outreach efforts throughout Florida and beyond.
- Training staff to identify the legal needs of farmworker clients.
- Making referrals to outside agencies where appropriate.
- Keeping up-to-date with current legal issues in farmworker law through continuous training.
- Assisting with grant reporting requirements.
- Supervising law student externs.
- Interviewing clients, certifying eligibility, and identifying legal problems within a specific area of law.
- Representing clients in court and before administrative agencies, including conducting investigations, preparing witnesses, and handling pre- and post-hearing activities.
- Participating in outreach and case acceptance meetings.
- Providing documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by managing staff.
- Engaging in training to maintain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
- Adhering to office hours, demonstrating strong work ethic and time management skills.
- Promoting accessibility of local offices to various client groups, including rural, non-English speaking, and disabled clients.
- Maintaining good public relations with client groups, service providers, press, and private bar.
- Familiarity with and adherence to organization policies and funder requirements.
- Performing other duties as determined by the Migrant Unit Managing Attorney and Advocacy Director.

Education and Experience Information:

- Must be barred in Florida.
- Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
- At least five years of experience representing Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers.
- Appreciation for the legal system and commitment to the mission of the organization.
- Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
- Creativity and ability to maximize existing resources.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and legal service software.
- Skilled in using social media.
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
- Capable of working in high-pressure situations involving deadlines.
- Willingness to work weekends and travel as needed.
- Familiarity with organization policies and requirements of funders.
- Knowledgeable of State and Federal court procedures.

Desirable Qualifications:

- Commitment to a career in public interest legal services, particularly in issues affecting migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
- Strong oral and writing skills.
- Highly organized.
- Fluency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred.
- Possession of a driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
- Ability to work as part of a team.

Working Conditions:

- The position operates in a professional office environment.

Physical Requirements:

- This is largely a sedentary role, though some lifting of office supplies up to 10 pounds may be required.
- Must be able to travel as needed.

Salary Information:

The starting salary for the Migrant Unit Staff Attorney position is $68,000, based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. The organization offers a generous benefits package that includes:

- 403(b) with employer-paid contribution.
- Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents.
- Malpractice insurance.
- Paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays).
- Law school loan repayment assistance.
- A hybrid work environment requiring advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.