Staff Attorney (Immigration) - Oʻahu or Hawaiʻi Island
The mission of The Legal Clinic (TLC), a Honolulu, Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization, is to ensure justice for low-income immigrants and migrants Hawaiʻi through high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. TLC was incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2019, and is the Hawaiʻi affiliate of a national Immigration Law & Justice Network (ILJN). Please visit www.tlchawaii.org for more information. The Staff Attorney is a full-time position, with some work-from-home flexibility, and a typical weekday schedule with occasional weekend and evening activities throughout the year. TLC is currently has openings for this role on O’ahu and on Hawaiʻi Island. The Staff Attorney reports to the Senior or Managing Staff Attorney.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
The Staff Attorney is primarily responsible for the direct representation of low-income immigrant clients seeking representation in a variety of immigration law matters, and includes the following:
Provide legal advice and directly represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other agencies on a wide range of matters, including naturalization, family petitions, adjustment of status, asylum, U visa, T visa, TPS, DACA, stay of removal, and other forms of immigration relief.
Draft legal documents, briefs and other immigration filings before USCIS, EOIR, ICE, CBP, state and district courts as needed.
Conduct immigration legal screening and communicate effectively with potential clients. Provide eligibility and risk assessment for those seeking immigration representation or advice and counsel.
Provide legal advice to clients who are in removal proceedings and provide direct representation before CBP, ICE, the Honolulu Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Successfully manage and coordinate a full caseload of active cases as assigned.
Provide general support to the TLC team, including other attorneys, pro bono attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives, interns, and other staff as assigned, through regular engagement, case assistance and mentorship as needed.
Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies.
Manage client documentation, maintain and update the client database, assist with data reporting, and other administrative responsibilities as required.
Conduct legal research on complex legal issues. Prepare memoranda of law to summarize findings.
Train, supervise, and mentor legal assistants, pro bono attorneys, interns, and other volunteers.
With support/coaching, conduct educational presentations about immigration laws and policies for public audiences, Assist in the planning of public events that promote immigrant rights.
Advise other colleagues on legal trends pertinent to the organization and its mission.
Engage with the ILJ Network through monthly meetings (by phone and/or video), an email list-serv, and occasional in-person meetings with other attorneys around the country.
Perform additional case management or administrative tasks as needed and support the broader efforts of the team and organization.
Travel to neighboring islands and occasionally to national conferences outside of Hawaiʻi.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements, knowledge & skills:
A law degree (JD or LLM) from an American Bar Association-accredited school is required.
Be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Hawaiʻi or another state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Knowledge of Immigration Law and procedure.
Willingness to undergo immigration law-focused training and ethics training.
Passion for social justice for immigrants, strong commitment to public interest legal service and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.
Ability to work sensitively with numerous clients, staff, and volunteers having diverse personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths.
Team-oriented personality with a demonstrated ability to work independently if needed.
Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism, and communication and active listening skills.
Ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, logically, and succinctly both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work well under pressure.
Excellent attention to detail and superb organizational skills.
Analytical, organizational, and conceptual skills to handle various projects and programs.
Ability to identify, analyze, and research legal issues affecting the organization, and make decisions to address the problem.
Strong case management skills, accurate data recording, exceptional legal research and legal writing skills.
Demonstrated positive attitude towards cultural differences, showing openness and willingness to work with and support team members of diverse cultural backgrounds. Experience working with immigrant populations and in multi-cultural settings is highly desirable.
Sincere commitment to serving the low-income immigrant community.
Experience:
At least one year of legal practice experience or a combination of relevant experience and coursework is highly desirable.
Desired but not required: prior public interest or nonprofit experience; a second language and familiarity with immigrant communities in Hawaiʻi.
The Legal Clinic is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $65,000-$80,000 FTE commensurate with experience. A robust benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, 401k benefit with employer contribution (after 90 days), unlimited paid time off, flex scheduling, parking subsidy, professional dues required to maintain an active law license, AILA membership dues, personal cell/internet allowance, wellness & educational benefits, and professional development opportunities. Partial work-from-home time negotiable.
TO APPLY: Please email your resume & cover letter to jobs@tlchawaii.org. Position open until filled.
The Legal Clinic is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veteran status.