PURPOSE STATEMENT
To provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrants involving clients that are survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, asylum-seekers, victims of crimes, families, and minors, in Maryland.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?
Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:
- In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
- In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
- That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
- That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
- That diversity and equality make this country better.
WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?
- This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD office and will require travel to local state, federal, and immigration courts.
- As Staff Attorney you will represent low-income immigrants, including victims of crime and children.
- Conduct intakes and represent victims of crime in immigration matters, including SIJS, asylum,??VAWA petitions, U and T Visa applications, DACA and removal proceedings;
- Represent clients in immigration matter before USCIS, ICE, DOS and EOIR, as well as MD State Court to obtain SIJS predicate orders; represent clients in federal courts in APA and/or mandamus actions;
- Provide victim witness orientation and accompaniment when appropriate;
- Represent Ayuda at local coalition meetings and participate in local and national advocacy initiatives;
- Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws and regulations;
- Train area service providers and government agencies, including law enforcement;
- Conduct outreach presentations to potential clients;
- Collaborate with Ayuda’s Social Services staff to ensure provision of holistic services;
- Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of legal interns, volunteers, paralegals and legal assistants;
- Contribute to Ayuda’s pro bono program through mentoring at clinics and mentoring pro bono pipeline cases.
- Assist with preparation of grant applications and reports; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?
Eligibility:
- Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
- Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.
Education/Experience:
- J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school;
- Bar license requirements:
- Licensed to practice law any state, district or territory of the United States is required.
- Individuals licensed to practice in Maryland are strongly preferred.
- Eligibility to waive into the Maryland bar immediately required.
- 1-2 years of experience providing immigration legal services to low-income individuals preferred.
Language Skills:
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish highly preferred.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including detailed knowledge of humanitarian immigration relief (asylum, U and T Visas, VAWA, SIJS) in addition to the family-based immigration process is preferred
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills; must be comfortable presenting in public and in oral arguments before the courts.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team, including in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, external partners, and client communities.
- Strong work ethic, discrete, resourceful, and able to maintain confidentiality.
- Detail-oriented.
- Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.
- Ability to meet assigned and self-imposed deadlines.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Proven problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems, and recommend solutions.
- Decisive, with ability to exercise independent judgment.
- Ability to understand legal ethical obligations and understand when and how to seek appropriate supervision.
Technological Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to devote interest and attention to learning other new software programs and web-based applications, including Ayuda’s electronic case-management system LegalServer; experience with LegalServer strongly preferred.
