Job Description
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILEAyuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.
WHY YOU WANT THIS IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION?Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:· In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.· In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.· That families should be healthy and safe from harm.· That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.· That diversity and equality make this country better.
WHAT WILL THIS IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION ENTAIL?
- Provide direct legal representation to low-income immigrants, in a variety of matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), and the Maryland state courts with a focus on serving recently-arrived Afghan nationals.
- Conduct consultations with individuals seeking immigration representation, especially for Afghan nationals seeking asylum, Afghan-Special Immigrant Visa, Temporary Protected Status, Adjustment of Status or renewal of Employment Authorization and Humanitarian Parole, with consultations happening in-person at Ayuda’s offices or remotely as preferred by the client.
- Participate as a mentor in Ayuda’s pro bono immigration consultation clinics and, once experience allows, serve as a mentor to pro bono attorneys partnering with Ayuda to provide clients with full representation.
- Where necessary, advocate on behalf of clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement.
- Attend local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings as a representative of Ayuda and on behalf of Ayuda’s client population.
- Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending training and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations, and court rules.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEY JOB?
Eligibility: Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. Satisfactory results from a background check to include criminal history and a search of the employee’s name against a national registry of sex offenders.
Education/Experience/Skills:
· Member of good standing of a State Bar
· Bilingual skills preferred, especially Dari or Pashto, or other languages commonly spoken by Ayuda’s clients such as Spanish, Tagalog, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and Amharic.
· 1-3 years of experience in immigration law, with litigation and removal defense experience a plus.
· Experience working with recently-arrived immigrants from Afghanistan preferred.
· Strong legal, organizational, and time-management skills.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
· Experience working with survivors of trauma is a plus.
· Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The salary is commensurate with experience and consistent with Ayuda’s attorney salary scale, with an anticipated range between $60,000 to $68,000. Entry-level attorneys would start with a salary of $60,000, with an increase according to years of relevant experience practicing immigration law in a legal services environment. Ayuda’s compensation package includes robust benefits such as medical and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, life, and AD&D insurance as well as an employer-provided retirement match. All federal holidays are observed, and Ayuda offers paid leave for the week of Christmas through New Year’s Day in addition to generous paid sick, personal, and annual leave. This position is exempt for overtime purposes. This position is eligible for hybrid telework consistent with Ayuda’s policies but with an expectation of regular in-office days as determined by your supervisor.
Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.
TO APPLY:
Please apply with a resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested. Please note that cover letters are required.
We strongly encourage you to consider the following in drafting a persuasive cover letter:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the work that Ayuda does in the community.
- Speak to your skills and qualifications for the job, including but not limited to relevant legal experience, language skills and bar admissions.
- Provide context for why you want to do this work and what qualifies you to work with survivors of persecution specifically.
- Demonstrate strong writing skills and attention to detail.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:
Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.