Immigration Attorney

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area • Full-time • Greenbelt, MD, US • 4h ago

The Immigration Attorney manages a high-volume caseload involving a broad range of affirmative and defensive immigration matters, including asylum, family-based petitions and visas, adjustment of status, employment authorization applications, naturalization, hardship waivers, cancellation of removal, U- and T-Visas, and related motions, appeals, and legal memoranda. The Immigration Attorney provides direct legal representation before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and other governmental agencies, helping individuals and families seek protection, stability, and permanent lawful status in the United States.

Essential Functions

• Provide comprehensive immigration legal advice, counseling, and direct legal representation with an emphasis on removal defense. Other matters will include affirmative asylum, adjustment of status, family reunifications, naturalization, U and T visas, and other humanitarian and family-based relief applications.

• Conduct client consultations, evaluate eligibility and legal risk, develop case strategy and explain legal options, responsibilities, timelines, and potential outcomes in clear, client-centered language.

• Prepare, review, and file applications, petitions, motions, briefs, declarations, exhibits, and other supporting evidence, ensuring submissions are accurate, complete, timely, and consistent with applicable law and agency requirements.

• Represent clients at USCIS interviews, biometrics or related appointments when appropriate, master and individual calendar hearings, bond hearings, and other proceedings before EOIR.

• Pursue administrative appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider as assigned.

• Utilize the team’s calendaring and case-management system for filing deadlines, hearings, interviews, work-permit renewals, client follow-up, and supervisory review.

• Organize and maintain client files including updating thorough notes in a timely manner using the Docketwise immigration software management system.

• Train interpreters, volunteer attorneys and others to assist the legal team.

• Devise creative solutions to maximize the legal team’s efficiency in order to support the greatest possible number of clients, many who have protection needs.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent from an ABA accredited school of law
Admitted to practice law in any State.
At least three (3) years of practicing immigration law with a preference for experience at a private law firm.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and diverse community organizations and coalitions.
Demonstrated team-player with exemplary interpersonal skills in collaborating and communicating with others.
Ability to succeed in a fast-paced nonprofit start-up environment.
Fluency in Spanish, or other language is helpful but not required.
Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of individuals and organizations; strong public speaking/presentation skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write grant reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Attention to detail and accuracy, strong organizational skills and the ability to establish priorities and meet internal and external deadlines.
Ability to adapt to a constantly changing legal environment through the acquisition and application of new subject matter expertise.
Valid driver’s license.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, knowledge of database management.
The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

Benefits:

LSSNCA offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to

support health, financial security, professional development, and work-life balance. Benefits may include:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
Flexible spending account and health savings account options, as applicable
Generous paid time off, including PTO, and holidays and Company Wellness Days
Retirement savings plan with an employer contribution or match
Employee assistance program
Reimbursement for mileage and approved travel expenses
Flexible scheduling and hybrid work opportunities, based on business needs
Meaningful work in support of immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable communities

These benefits reflect LSSNCA’s commitment to a supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace where employees can grow professionally while making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.