Amica Center for Immigrant Rights · 16 hours ago
Staff Attorney- DMV Habeas Project, Immigration Impact Lab
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$62K/yr - $68K/yr
2+ years expAmica Center for Immigrant Rights is a non-profit organization focused on providing legal assistance to immigrants in detention. The Staff Attorney will expand the Lab's detention-related district court litigation, primarily focusing on habeas petitions, while also mentoring pro bono attorneys and contributing to the DMV Habeas Project.
Law Practice
Responsibilities
Litigate strategic cases in district court, primarily habeas petitions, on behalf of detained immigrants nationwide, with a focus on people detained in Maryland and Virginia
Identify potential cases and maintain relationships with referral channels, which will require close coordination with stakeholders, including immigration non-profits, law school clinics, and private immigration attorneys serving these areas
Mentor pro bono attorneys on detention-related district court litigation, with a focus on habeas petitions. This will include providing feedback and guidance on legal strategy and helping attorneys prepare for federal court arguments
Develop and refine training programs and materials for the Lab team and external pro bono and non-profit attorneys on detention-related district court litigation. This may involve conducting training sessions, creating template briefings and educational materials, updating existing materials, and identifying opportunities for continuous learning
Collaborate with the Lab Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Managing Attorney, and Development/Communications team to raise awareness about the DMV Habeas Project and its potential impact on the region with stakeholders, media, and funders
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and partner organizations for the Project, including immigration attorneys, advocacy groups, and community organizations to build case referral, co-counseling, and post-release coordination opportunities, leverage limited resources, and amplify the Project’s impact
Participate in Amica Center stakeholder relation activities, such as in-person and virtual meetings and convenings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers
Coordinate across teams (particularly with the Detained Adult Program (DAP)) on case strategy and to ensure Programs are kept abreast of developments in detention-related litigation efforts and the DMV Habeas Project
Qualification
Required
JD
Basic experience in district court litigation, including relevant skills such as navigating rules of civil procedure and local rules, hearings, and negotiations with opposing counsel
At least 2 years of experience in immigration law
Demonstrated exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, including coalition partners, government agencies, and community organizations
Strong ability to implement new initiatives
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of productivity
Strong legal research, writing, and analysis skills, enabling them to effectively present legal arguments, draft legal documents, and analyze complex legal issues
Preferred
A solid understanding of the laws governing immigration detention and a basic understanding of habeas petitions challenging immigration detention
The ability to analyze complex legal precedent, develop innovative arguments, and provide sound legal advice to clients and team members
Active license to practice law
Admission to the Virginia bar
Considerable experience in district court litigation including immigration habeas petitions
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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