Staff Attorney, NWILP

Staff Attorney Position

The staff attorney will provide direct representation, individual consultations, and community outreach and education to immigrant community members seeking immigration protections before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). NWIRP attorneys also practice before the immigration courts. The staff attorney may also be assigned work relating to other immigration matters, including cases of people in immigration detention. The position is anticipated to be based in NWIRP's Seattle or Tacoma office.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or before the federal courts, and before the Department of Homeland Security;
• Provide direct representation to persons submitting affirmative applications with USCIS and the Department of State (Note: ACP focuses its practice on asylum cases before USCIS);
• Conduct presentations, workshops, legal clinics, and intakes, by phone and in person;
• Conduct case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws;
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, practices, and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system;
• Establish, organize, and maintain files up to date;
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking training, and other duties in a timely manner;
• Participate in NWIRP's outreach, community education, and development efforts; and
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP's needs.

Qualifications:

• Law degree;
• Admission to the practice of law in a U.S. state;
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants and willingness to support NWIRP's mission, vision and values;
• Fluent in English and a second language (Pashto and/or Dari a plus);
• Extensive experience serving the Afghan community with immigration services (experience with OAW asylum applications a plus);
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and professional inclusive environment for staff and clients;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to organize information in a clear and concise manner, including strong problem-solving, research, and analytical skills;
• Previous work with remote legal assistance preferred;
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation;
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with at least two years of prior relevant legal experience;
• Have a strong sense of judgment and decision-making;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and web peer-to-peer communication platforms; Familiar with G-suite tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Gmail; and
• The applicant must have a valid driver's license as the position involves some travel

How to Apply:

You will need to upload a single file document including your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references via the careers page. For the cover letter, please indicate the position(s) and locations you would like to be considered for, and describe 1) how your lived or work experience makes you a good fit for this role; and 2) what are some challenges you are aware of that pose barriers to providing legal advocacy to recently resettled community members. Full consideration will be given to those who apply by May 22, 2023, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.