Amica Center for Immigrant Rights · 1 month ago
Senior Attorney- Know Your Rights (KYR) & Direct Representation, Detained Adult Program
Washington,DC,US
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$68K/yr - $86K/yr
3+ years expAmica Center for Immigrant Rights is a non-profit organization focused on providing legal assistance to detained immigrants. The Senior Attorney will lead efforts in visiting detention facilities, conducting Know-Your-Rights presentations, and managing legal representation for detained clients in removal proceedings.
Law Practice
Responsibilities
Plan and lead visits to government detention facilities throughout Virginia (approximately 2-4 full days per month, including 2-day overnight visits), including oversight and supervision of staff and volunteers during visits and assistance in preparation and breakdown from visits
Perform Know-Your-Rights presentations and pro se workshops in Spanish, English, and (with interpretation) other languages to help detained individuals navigate the immigration court system. Coordinate efforts to ensure every newly arrived person at the detention center has the opportunity to attend presentations. Assist in adapting presentations and workshops to respond to changes in the law and legal needs of the people we work with in detention
Liaise with external partners at law schools, non-profit organizations, and firms in coordination with pro bono coordinating attorney for the purpose of securing and furthering access to legal services for detained individuals
Identify and track trends and emerging issues faced by the people we work with in detention affecting their immigration cases. Coordinate with others in the organization to help detained people respond to and access better information on issues. Make appropriate referrals and provide necessary insight to in-house and external teams working on responding to the emergent issues identified
Manages caseload of direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings primarily before the Annandale, Hyattsville, and Elizabeth Immigration Courts and other courts as needed. This includes representation in cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Cancellation of Removal
Provide expert mentoring to outside pro bono attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis
Prepare Post Release Plans and social service plans, in coordination with social services staff
Research, engage, and prepare experts on health, behavioral health, and country conditions
Supervise and coordinate with paralegal staff on case support
As needed, provide direct supervision to staff attorneys on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management
Actively engage in Amica Center’s training and advocacy efforts, as needed
Take part in stakeholder relationship activities as needed, including in-person and telephonic meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives (including ICE, jail and court officials), and other legal service providers
Coordinate with all internal Amica Center Programs (e.g., Impact Lab, Representation Programs,) to ensure all programs are kept abreast of detention developments, clients, and referrals
Undertake own administrative functions, including for case and follow up work (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings) and ensuring the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion
Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low-bandwidth periods
Qualification
Required
JD/LLM or Full DOJ Accreditation and 3-5 years of relevant experience in immigration law
If JD, active bar license required
Written and oral Spanish proficiency required, fluency preferred
Ability to manage a docket of detained removal defense cases
It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring
Preferred
At least 1-2 years of supervision experience preferred
Strong trial advocacy skills preferred
Benefits
Free gym access located in Washington, D.C (dependent on employee’s primary office)
Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor
Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV
Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (Amica Center pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information)
Life Insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long- and short-term disability
The option to set up a Flexible Spending Account
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a one-time employer contribution of $350 to the Health Savings Account (HSA)
The option to set up a 403(b) savings account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profit organizations) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment
Paid time off includes: 23 Personal Days per calendar year, Up to 20 days of Sick Time per calendar year, 7 hours of Volunteer Time Off per calendar year, Federal holidays, Paid winter break closure around the end of each year, 12 weeks of parental leave
Company
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights engages in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrants facing detention or deportation, regardless of background, because everyone has the right to be free, safe, and supported.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Kathy Doan
Chief Executive Officer
Adina Appelbaum, Esq., M.P.P., AFC®
Founder & Program Director, Immigration Impact Lab
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