Job Title: Immigration Attorney – Asylum & Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Focus
Location: Portland Maine
Job Type: Full-Time
Firm Size: Small law firm (close-knit team, collaborative environment)
Reports To: Managing Attorney / Partner
Job Overview:
We are a small, mission-driven immigration law firm seeking a dedicated associate attorney to lead and manage asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) cases. The ideal candidate is passionate about immigrant justice, experienced in working with vulnerable populations, and comfortable handling both affirmative and defensive cases.
As part of a small team, the attorney will manage their own cases from intake through final adjudication, appear in immigration and state court, and help advocate for some of the most vulnerable immigrant populations, including unaccompanied minors and, if desired, detained individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Represent clients in asylum matters (affirmative and defensive) before USCIS, EOIR, and federal immigration courts, including: master calendar and merits hearings.
- Handle SIJ cases, including family court proceedings for predicate orders in state court and subsequent filings with USCIS.
- Conduct client intakes, assess legal options, and develop case strategies.
- Prepare legal filings: asylum applications, I-360 petitions, motions, briefs, affidavits, and supporting documentation.
- Represent clients at master calendar and merits hearings, USCIS interviews, and
- Maintain regular client communication and ensure they are informed and prepared at every stage of the process.
- Work collaboratively with other lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants to manage case files and deadlines.
- Monitor developments in immigration law and integrate changes into practice.
- Optional legal representation to detained immigrants, including bond hearings, master calendar, and individual hearings in immigration court.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school; licensed and in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction, licensing in Maine strongly preferred.
- New lawyers are strongly encouraged to apply. Willing to train the right candidate.
- Spanish fluency (or fluency in another high-need language) a bonus.
- Excellent legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
- Strong organizational and case management abilities.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and comfortable managing a caseload with minimal supervision.
- Compassionate, client-centered approach to representation.
Why Join Us:
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrant children and families.
- Small team = more autonomy, flexibility, and influence over your work.
- Friendly, collaborative work environment with a shared passion for justice.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to tori@stenbakmaloney.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person