Staff Attorney, Immigration Unit

Legal Aid DC seeks a staff attorney for its Immigration Unit.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. 

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org. 

Legal Aid DC’s Immigration Unit consists of a director, staff attorneys, and a fellow. The Immigration Unit staff attorney would be part of a dynamic team to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services. The Immigration Law Unit Staff Attorney will be based out of Legal Aid’s main NW office but may also work out of Legal Aid’s community clinic sites. Legal Aid has a hybrid work schedule. The Immigration Staff Attorney will be required to work in the office a minimum of three days a week.

Responsibilities

• Handling immigration matters in our priority areas with a focus on:
  • survivors of family violence, human trafficking, and crime
  • full representation for affirmative and defensive relief in front of USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to, U visas, T visas, VAWA, affirmative and defensive asylum, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
• Limited representation or brief services such as TPS, DACA Renewal, work authorization, FOIAs and pro se form filling
• Conducting intakes and providing brief advice and counsel at our walk-in office hours and community-based clinics
• Engaging in community education and outreach, especially through Know-Your-Rights presentations, and building coalitions with other organizations
• Supporting Legal Aid’s participation in local and federal advocacy efforts related to the protection and advancement of immigrants’ rights

Qualifications

Membership or eligibility for membership in the DC bar is required. Candidates for staff attorney must have the following:

• A demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice;
• Experience in immigration law, preferably in the context of a legal services practice environment;
• Strong litigation, organizational, communication, and leadership skills;
• The ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with clients, staff, partner organizations, pro bono attorneys, and members of local legal services and advocacy coalitions; and
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid’s client community is strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

The attorney will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's based on years of full-time legal experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Entry-level attorney just passing the bar: $71,054
• Attorney with 3 years full-time legal work experience: $78,277
• Attorney with 5 years full-time legal work experience: $85,852

Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July.

Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year and 15 days of sick leave per year.  

Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees.

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and resume here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position closes December 6, 2024.  No emails or phone calls, please.