Community Defense Staff Attorney

Introduction:

The Staff Attorney is responsible for legal representation in a variety of immigration matters, including immigration court cases, and for providing information, technical assistance, outreach, and training on behalf of income-eligible persons of all nationalities.

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.
• We provide paid leave including the following:
  • Paid-time-off (PTO) that increases based on tenure but starts off with 20 days per year.
  • Employee Sick and Safe Time (ESST) of 80 hours per year (pro-rated for the first year) to be used for sick and safe time.
  • Holiday leave, including 11 holidays & the week between Christmas Eve & New Years Day.
• We provide competitive benefits including the following:
  • Medical insurance through Medica: ILCM currently pays 90% of the employee & dependent portion of premiums and 80% for spouses/domestic partners.
  • Dental insurance through Delta Dental: ILCM currently pays 65% of the employee and dependent premiums.
  • Vision insurance through Avesis: ILCM currently pays 65% of the employee and dependent premiums.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA): ILCM currently contributes $500 per year. To enroll in the HSA, the employee has to be enrolled in the HSA eligible medical plan.
  • Life, Short/Long-term Disability Insurance through Reliance with the option to buy additional voluntary life insurance.
  • SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan w/employer match of up to 3% of the employee’s compensation to start January 2026.
  • A remote connectivity stipend of $50/month.
• We provide professional development & growth opportunities to all our employees including a $500 annual professional development stipend.

Why ILCM?

• You will be championing social justice. The work directly advances equity, human rights, and access to justice for those who often lack a voice.
• You will gain specialized expertise. You'll deepen your legal knowledge in areas like asylum, VAWA petitions, U and T visas, removal defense, and naturalization.
• You will work with a committed organization dedicated to serving and empowering clients. ILCM’s values are grounded in respect for and partnership with our immigrant and refugee clients.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Provide representation to individuals and families in defensive immigration matters in both detained and non-detained cases, including some or all of the following tasks:
   1. Prepare and submit written pleadings and motions to the Immigration Court in Fort Snelling, MN.
   2. Draft and file appropriate applications for relief from removal (i.e.: cancellation of removal, asylum, waiver applications, among others).
   3. Meet with clients at detention facilities or remotely.
   4. Prepare clients and witnesses for individual hearings.
   5. Represent clients before the Fort Snelling Immigration Court.
   6. Represent clients (where appropriate) to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
2. Provide representation to individuals and families in affirmative immigration matters, including some or all of the following tasks:
   1. Prepare and submit immigration applications to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
   2. Respond to requests for evidence.
   3. Keep clients informed about their case status.
   4. Ensure that clients receive and understand communications from USCIS regarding their pending applications.
   5. Prepare clients for interviews with USCIS.
   6. Educate clients about their rights and obligations under immigration law.
   7. Case types will include, but are not limited to: naturalization, U Visas, VAWA, DACA, and family unity.
3. Conduct Know Your Rights presentations at immigration detention facilities for unrepresented individuals and in the community for non-detained unrepresented individuals.
4. Mentor student volunteers and staff members on legal issues and crimmigration topics
5. Engage in outreach efforts to immigrant and refugee communities regarding our legal services.
6. Conduct intake consultations with and provide advice to potential clients, including individuals in immigration detention and non-detained individuals at immigration clinics or through consultation appointments.
7. Identify and resolve legal issues on behalf of new clients, accept cases, maintain client files.
8. Maintain client data in compliance with organization protocols, grant and contract requirements, and ethical obligations.
9. Provide information about immigration law to agencies that work with immigrant and refugee communities on a one-to-one basis and through presentations.
10. Assist in grant proposal and report preparation as needed.

Qualifications | Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• • J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
  • 1-3 years of legal experience, preferably in an attorney-level role or similar.
  • Fluency in a language spoken by a significant proportion of ILCM’s client population, such as Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Amharic, Oromo, Karen, or Karenni.
  • Experience in working with diverse populations.
  • Experience in advocating on behalf of immigrants.
  • Proficient in all Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
  • Experience with LegalServer and immigration forms programs preferred.
  • Detail-oriented, service-oriented, organized and able to meet deadlines.
  • Dedicated, reliable, organized and able to handle a high volume of assignments.
  • Exhibits positive attitude and flexibility and works effectively within a team.
  • Experience with office equipment, including copiers, and telephone systems.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and superior customer service skills.
  • Understands confidential nature of organization information and maintains confidences.