Under the general direction of the Executive Director or Legal Services Director, the Immigration Attorney acts as staff attorney primarily for the Immigration Law Clinic, providing legal representation of clients needing assistance with citizenship by naturalization assistance from intake to resolution. This position may also handle cases involving other types of civil litigation.
Responsibilities
- Provides pro bono legal representation in the Immigration Law Clinic to low-income communities needing access to justice.
- Provides legal services and representation from intake to resolution.
- Supervises, assesses, and structures the practice work of administrative assistants, paralegals and students working as investigators or providing other legal support on cases being handled by the attorney.
- Responsible for direct case handling, to include communication with courts, clients, opposing counsel and other professionals as well as filing the appropriate documents and participating in administrative hearings.
- Conducts legal investigations and provides advice to individuals in need of legal services. Responsible for all aspects of the citizenship process.
- Serves as lead attorney in their cases and may appear in Court anywhere in Texas.
- Responsible for developing educational and outreach programs in furtherance of ECI’s clinic related work. Organizes and conducts community-based clinics as directed.
- Utilizes the ECI case management software to support reporting requirements for grant funded programs.
- Also handles administrative activities as directed by an Legal Director or Executive Director.
- Performs other job-related duties as required.
Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. Requires a minimum of 2 years of practice experience, with strong preference given to candidates with substantial experience in immigration law. Prefer prior experience as lead attorney in all or some combination of these types of cases. Preferred licensed to practice law in Texas.
- Ability to work with a diverse multi-cultural population of clients, students and staff, including low income households.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.