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Defender Association of Philadelphia · 2 days ago

Immigration Attorney (Padilla Advisals)

Main Office, Philadelphia, PA, US

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized Padilla Attorney for their Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit. This role involves providing direct legal services in immigration law matters, representing clients in immigration court hearings, and advising on immigration consequences in criminal cases.

ConsultingLaw EnforcementLegal

Responsibilities

Maintain in-house referral system for all cases involving non-citizen clients

Review individual case files and conduct all necessary legal research

Consult directly with trial attorneys representing immigration clients in court and with other members of the CDU

Be available through telephone or email communication, when not present at the Defender office, to at least receive and acknowledge inquiries regarding the immigration consequences of criminal convictions

Conduct immigration interviews and consultations when necessary, including interviews of clients in criminal and immigration custody

Consult with attorneys and other staff members on immigration matters

Prepare written memoranda on the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges for noncitizen clients

Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff, as well as external trainings and CLE presentations

Prepare and maintain resource materials on the immigration consequences of Pennsylvania crimes, notably the 'Defender’s Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania.'

Act as point person for contact on all criminal-immigration matters between the Defender, the Chief of the Unit, and other immigration service providers

Meet with potential clients for consultations, determine appropriate course of action, and prepare initial case files

Liaise with other Defender Association offices and attorneys on collateral consequences of criminal convictions

Assist other CDU attorneys with federal court actions involving non-citizen criminal defendants

Collect and maintain data related to arrests, advice, and representation of non-citizen clients, as directed by the Chief of the Unit

Appear in court to present testimony on immigration consequences of criminal convictions, as needed

If desired, appear in criminal court to directly represent clients facing immigration consequences

Qualification

Juris Doctorate DegreeLicensed to practice lawExperience in immigration lawResearch skillsCourtroom advocacy skillsImmigration statutesFluency in SpanishCollaborative work capacityCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Juris Doctorate Degree required; Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania

Experience working with multicultural immigrant communities

Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams

Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment

Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Preferred

Admission to practice in the Federal Courts preferred, but may be obtained within a reasonable time of employment required

At least two years of experience representing individuals in criminal or removal proceedings/USCIS is preferred. Clinical experience will be considered, as will other experience demonstrating knowledge of the immigration consequences of interaction with the criminal justice system

Fluency in Spanish and/or French is preferred

Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, preferred

Benefits

Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance

Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays

Retirement Savings Employer Match

Paid eight weeks of parental leave

Free Septa Anywhere Key Card

Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Impactful mission driven work

Wellness Benefits

Ongoing Training and Development of You