MANAGING ATTORNEY

Full-time/Exempt; Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services (CCILS) provides high quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants and their families, refugees and asylum seekers, and engages in public education, training and community outreach in order to promote justice for all newcomers and encourage their full participation in American Society.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Managing Attorney will manage the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program for Catholic Charities of Oregon. They will lead the overall operations, providing strategic guidance, case review, and mentorship to a team of attorneys, Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives, and support staff, while maintaining a caseload of their own. The Managing Attorney will balance direct client representation with critical leadership and administrative responsibilities such as budget management, grant reporting, community outreach. They will be a critical member of CCO’s Leadership Team. This position demands deep knowledge of immigration regulations and staff mentorship.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the daily operations of a non-profit immigration legal services department.

Lead, train, and mentor staff attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives, legal assistants, and support staff.

Maintain overall responsibility for volunteers and interns within the ILS department. Includes managing the recruitment, onboarding and supervision of interns, volunteers, pro bono attorneys, and SPPE candidates.

Supervise the casework of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives. Conduct routine case file reviews and ensure compliance with the American Bar Association and Oregon state bar standards. Ensure all assigned services are provided in accordance with applicable state and local regulatory requirements and CCO organizational policies.

Assign caseloads, ensuring equitable balance amongst staff. Review legal filings before submission. Oversee peer and case review processes.

Manage and represent a small targeted caseload of complex cases (e.g., asylum, removal defense, U Visas, VAWA) before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

In partnership with the Chief Operating Office, and in collaboration with the Leadership Team, develops, implements, and oversees the long-term vision, goals, and operational strategies for the department, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives.

Works with the Development team to obtain critical funding for the program including government contracts, grants and private donations.

Conduct on-going assessment of program needs; develop and implement systems for casework procedures, case load standards, tracking, and quality assurance review.

Develop, implement, and ensure ongoing maintenance and compliance with department policies and procedures, manage programmatic budgets, and ensure adherence to grant deliverables.

Ensure program confidentiality standards are upheld, consistent with the requirements of attorney-client privilege, including duty to report standards.

Represent the organization in coalitions, coordinate pro bono projects, and conduct community legal education related to immigration law and policy.

Ensure services provided by ILS are integrated with other Catholic Charities programs.

Participate in trainings and meetings as requested.

Adherence to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

JD degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in any U.S. state.

Minimum five years experience in the practice of immigration law; humanitarian and family-based immigration law experience strongly preferred.

Minimum of three years progressive supervisory experience of attorneys and/or DOJ accredited representatives, preferably in a nonprofit legal setting.

Strong leadership skills.

Ability to communicate concisely and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, Spanish preferred.

Ability to effectively work with standard office programs including MS Office and immigration specialized case management software; experience with Law Logix preferred.

Demonstrate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.

Commitment to Catholic Charities mission to work in partnership with vulnerable populations to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.

Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met in a timely manner. High attention to detail required.

Demonstrated competency working with people from diverse cultures. Ability to assess and treat clients in a culturally competent manner.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.

Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.

Ability to work well in team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in a fast-paced work environment.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, which could include some evenings and weekends.

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Travel within the Portland metropolitan tri-county area required; with occasional travel to other areas within the State of Oregon, and/or out of state. Must have driver’s license, access to vehicle and ability to obtain automobile insurance at levels required by agency.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision plans; employer paid life and LTD; voluntary disability and life; employee assistance program; paid time off; 13 paid holidays, including additional paid time off between Christmas and New Years; retirement plan; free parking and more!

Background and MVR Screening:

Satisfactory results from pre-employment criminal and civil background screening required. Motor vehicle records (MVR) review required as needed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED

Catholic Charities of Oregon

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