Job Description

The UW School of Law Immigration Clinic has an outstanding opportunity for a Staff Attorney to join their team.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Clinic Director, the Staff Attorney – Immigration Law Clinic is responsible for providing direct, high-quality immigration legal representation to low-income and vulnerable clients while advancing the educational mission of the School of Law through supervision and mentorship of law students. This role supports both client advocacy and experiential learning by managing complex cases, guiding student practitioners, and contributing to clinic operations and initiatives. The position is based at the University of Washington School of Law and operates within an in-person, collaborative clinical environment with occasional work outside standard business hours.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Representation (60%): Provide direct immigration legal representation by conducting client intakes; advising and representing clients in affirmative and defensive immigration matters before USCIS, Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), federal court, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); preparing legal filings; developing case strategy; conducting legal research; representing clients in hearings; and maintaining accurate, timely case documentation using trauma-informed and culturally inclusive practices.
Student Supervision and Teaching Support (25%): Supervise and mentor law students engaged in client representation; oversee student casework; review legal analysis and written submissions; provide substantive and constructive feedback; support the development of students’ advocacy skills and ethical practice; and collaborate with faculty to reinforce classroom instruction and experiential learning objectives.
Program and Institutional Engagement (10%): Collaborate with clinic faculty and staff on case strategy and clinic operations; participate in law school and clinic initiatives, trainings, and events; support program development and enhancements; and engage with community partners, courts, agencies, and stakeholders to advance client services and the mission of the Immigration Law Clinic.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%): Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Clinic Director to support clinic needs and operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Applicants must have a minimum of 6 months of experience practicing immigration law either in a professional setting or at an immigration law clinic. Internships shall count as acceptable experience.
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Admission to the Washington State Bar is required, or candidates must be eligible for admission and obtain licensure within one year of employment. Candidates who are not yet admitted must initiate the bar exam or reciprocity process within six months of hire.
Demonstrated commitment to restorative justice, immigrants’ rights, and public interest lawyering.
Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing responsibilities, and respond effectively under pressure.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word and Excel.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience practicing immigration law, representing clients in immigration court, before the Board of Immigration Appeals and/or before USCIS in humanitarian claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), T visas and U visas is highly preferred
Experience working with immigrants and refugees and/or vulnerable populations, including survivors of abuse, trafficking, or other trauma, is strongly preferred.
Written and oral proficiency in a language other than English, particularly a language commonly spoken by immigrant communities in Washington, is strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in person in an office space at a computer and in a court room.
Attendance at occasional events or meetings outside traditional business hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel, may be required.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,712.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$92,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

University of Washington

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Immigration Law Staff Attorney