Summary: This full-time position plays a vital role in supporting Hawai‘i’s immigrant and refugee communities by delivering direct legal services through Pacific Gateway Center’s (PGC) Legal Services Department. The Staff Attorney will contribute to several key programs, including the Unaccompanied Children Program (UCP), which provides legal assistance to unaccompanied minors in Hawai‘i, and the Immigration and Refugee Services Program, which offers a wide range of immigration legal services to refugees and other immigrants (excluding removal defense).
Working alongside and supporting PGC’s DOJ-accredited representatives, the Staff Attorney will also engage in community education, legal clinics, workshops, and outreach initiatives to expand access to justice. This position offers the opportunity to develop strong professional skills through hands-on training, mentorship, and collaboration in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assisting in the preparation of applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T-Visas, U-Visas, drafting Petitions for Guardianship/Custody before the Hawaii Family Court, and compiling supporting evidence;
- Performing legal research;
- Conducting client screenings and intakes;
- Maintaining detailed documentation of client work;
- Occasionally appearing before the Honolulu Immigration Court, USCIS, and Board of Immigration Appeals, if coverage is needed for Managing Attorney.
- Assist the Immigration and Refugee Services Program by:
- Providing direct representation to immigrants and refugees applying for immigration benefits, including but not limited to naturalization, lawful permanent residence, work authorization, advance parole, DACA, and more;
- Conducting client intakes, providing legal advice during client consultations, assist with petition/forms, gathering documentation/evidence, and preparing documents for final submission;
- Support and provide guidance to partially-accredited DOJ representatives who perform immigration legal services on behalf of PGC;
- Maintain detailed documentation of all client work;
- Keep abreast of immigration law and conduct research, as needed;
- Ensure program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately, and reported timely, using PGC’s legal case management database and other relevant case management systems;
- Participate in workshops and outreach activities for client base and community initiatives on immigration legal issues;
- Support Immigration Services team with other duties as needed.
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:
Education & Credentials
- Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution;
- Admission to a U.S. state bar.
Experience
- Experience in immigration law or related work preferred but not required;
- Familiarity with Hawaii and various immigrant communities in Hawaii strongly preferred but not required;
- Demonstrated interest in working with community organizations or low-income clients and populations.
Skills & Aptitudes
- Fluency in Spanish or a second language strongly preferred;
- Strong legal reasoning and writing skills and superb legal judgment;
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting;
- Ability to manage a reasonably high case volume and work under time pressure;
- Ability to develop and implement case management procedures for referrals, intakes, legal service plans, follow up, and documentation;
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills;
- Clear understanding of legal ethics rules;
- Provide timely follow up services;
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Google Suite, and case management software;
- Work well with minimal supervision;
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work;
- Ability to build positive relationships with outside service providers and collaborate respectfully with other professionals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Frequently = F Occasionally = O Seldom = S Rarely = R
F - Lifting/Carrying below 30 lbs. O - Lifting/Carrying 31 – 50 lbs. R - Lifting/Carrying above 50 lbs. F - Travel. O - Pushing/Pulling up to 50 lbs. O - Bending, Squatting, Kneeling, Lifting Overhead. F - Climbing (ascending/descending).
COMPENSATION/HOURS
- $75K-$80K per year
- Location: 723 C Umi St. Honolulu, HI 96819, 95 Mahalani St. Wailuku, HI 96793, and remote as necessary.
- 40 hours per week. Schedule to be determined with supervisor; some weekend and evenings may be required to meet client needs
COMPETITIVE BENEFITS:
- Generous Vacation/Sick Pay
- Sixteen (16) annual holidays
- Flexible Spending Program
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- 401(k)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Immigration law: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Honolulu, HI 96819 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Honolulu, HI 96819: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
