Full-Time Staff Attorney – Murfreesboro, TN

The mission of Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) is to fight for the dignity, safety, and inclusion of immigrants in the United States, especially those most marginalized, through legal representation and advocacy. We fight for the rights of immigrants but also for the expansion of those rights to ensure that all people are equally protected by the laws of the United States. AIR seeks to create structural and systemic change by coordinating with other legal service providers and community-based organizations to complement our skills and build our mutual capacity. Our service model inherently provides for relationships that will propel our work and the work of our partners.

Role

The Staff Attorney will be part of a team focused on challenging the immigration system through direct representation in administrative and removal proceedings with USCIS and EOIR, appeals before the BIA and federal circuit appeals, with an eye towards identifying issues for litigation and advocacy efforts, primarily in service of our clients who live in the jurisdiction of the Memphis Immigration Court. The position will be full-time and based out of our office in Murfreesboro, TN.

Responsibilities

· Screen and conduct initial consultations with potential clients

· Provide direct legal representation to client across the region, handling an active caseload before immigration agencies, including USCIS, the Memphis Immigration Court and federal courts and county courts across Tennessee

· Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community

· Supervise support staff, interns, externs and volunteers

· Maintain accurate case records and assist in compiling client data

· Participate and collaborate in regular organizational meetings to advance strategy for legal representation, outreach, media and advocacy

· Engage externally with partner organizations to advance litigation, media outreach, and advocacy

· Help maintain relationships with pro bono counsel, the private bar, partner organizations, and community groups

· Prepare for and present educational programs, including Know Your Rights trainings and Continuing Legal Education seminars, in small and large group settings

· Support special events and fundraising activities

· Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

· Working knowledge of Spanish preferred

· A J.D. degree and admission to practice law in Tennessee required

· 1-3 years of relevant legal experience required

· Prior experience working on behalf of immigrants strongly preferred

· Prior experience working with children and vulnerable populations appreciated

· Excellent legal strategy, analysis, drafting, and editing skills

· Excellent oral communication skills, including in both legal advocacy and broader public communication

· Excellent time management skills

· Ability to work with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Suite and strong computer skills

· Ability to work independently and within a team

· Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

· A developed race and equity lens that informs your work and guides your leadership

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this full-time position is $60,000 to $67,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience, excellent benefits including health insurance coverage and generous paid time off as well as the opportunity to participate in SIMPLE IRA plan and federal loan forgiveness eligibility.

Applications

This position will remain open until it is filled and is currently available. We will consider applications on an on-going basis beginning immediately. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and references to casey@airlegal.org using the subject line “Staff Attorney Application.”

Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) is an equal opportunity employer. AIR strongly encourages asylum seekers, immigrants, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC), Latinx people, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, women, first-generation college students/professionals, and all marginalized individuals to apply, and recognizes the unique and valuable skills that such applicants can bring to this work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Loan forgiveness
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

Licensed to Practice Law in TN? (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Murfreesboro, TN 37130: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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Immigration Staff Attorney