Job description

Position: Senior Staff Attorney, Immigrant Legal Defense Program

Type: Full Time

Status: Exempt

Reports to: Section Lead, Immigration Law

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Updated: 4/3/2023

Position Summary

The Senior Staff Attorney will lead the Immigrant Legal Defense Program, a pilot program funded by the City of Durham to ensure access to immigration legal services for non-detained undocumented individuals in Durham County.

The two primary objectives of this Program are to (1) increase identification of non-detained undocumented individuals eligible for immigration relief, including relief from removal; and (2) increase access to trauma-informed immigration legal services to protect due process rights and secure immigration relief. This Program promotes equity in access to legal services and demonstrates commitment to the wellbeing of all residents of Durham County.

The Senior Staff Attorney will lead the Program Team, overseeing all Program services, contributing to Program monitoring and evaluation, and working to expand the efficacy and impact of the Program.

The Senior Staff Attorney demonstrates a strong commitment to survivor empowerment and a readiness to work with immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-income communities to advance equity, resiliency, and civil rights.
Ideal candidates have extensive experience representing individuals seeking affirmative and defensive immigration relief, as well as experience leading programs and/or teams in the provision of legal services to survivors of trauma.

Duties and Responsibilities

● Lead the Immigrant Legal Defense Program and Program Team.

● Oversee all Program services, including outreach, intake, legal consultations and representation, and referrals.

● Provide consultations and representation in removal defense and other select matters, including Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U Visas, T Visas, and VAWA Self-Petitions.

● Supervise and support Program staff attorney(s), and paralegals/case specialists, in the provision of legal services, including (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) caseload management.

● Oversee the Program’s case placement and referral process, maintenance of client files, and data collection in case management systems.

● Manage Program budget and contribute to Program monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability to Program clients, adherence to funder intent, and effective stewardship of resources.

● Contribute to development of opportunities to expand the scope and effectiveness of the Program through innovative program design and sustainable service delivery.

● Engage with the Program’s Advisory Board, engaging in meetings by listening, presenting, and integrating Board experience, expertise, and counsel to ensure efficacy of Program and responsiveness to communities served.

● Attend and participate in community events and community-based coalitions to enhance knowledge, networks, and responsiveness to communities served.

● Contribute to development of coordinated efforts with public and private agencies, community organizations, and other legal service providers to maximize Program impact and efficacy.

● Represent the Pilot Program and JusticeMatters in the community and to the
City of Durham, working with the Executive Director to respond to City, media, and other inquiries.

● Collaborate with the Immigration Law Section Lead to train and supervise pro bono attorneys, law students, and intern/extern volunteers.

● Handle other tasks, as requested by the Immigration Law Section Lead.
● Generally promote JusticeMatters’ mission and work.

Qualifications and Requirements

1. Law degree from an accredited law school.
2. Current membership in good standing with a State Bar, and willingness to secure membership with the North Carolina State Bar.
3. Fluency in spoken and written Spanish, preferred.
4. Five (5) plus years of legal experience representing undocumented individuals in immigration matters (removal defense or crimmigration experience,
preferred).

5. Five (5) plus years of experience supervising the provision of immigration legal services by attorneys and paralegals, preferred.

6. Five (5) plus years of experience managing a program or team providing direct legal services, preferred.

7. Excellent organizational, analytical, writing, and editing skills; strong attention to detail.

8. Strong interpersonal, cultural humility, and cross-cultural communication skills.
9. Effective collaboration with external co-counsel and multidisciplinary professionals in the provision of legal services.
10.Ability to think strategically and creatively, solve problems, innovate, exercise initiative, manage multiple tasks/projects involving sensitive information, and make decisions under pressure, including knowing when to ask for assistance.

11.Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite, and willingness to learn other case management systems.

12. Impeccable integrity, judgment, and discretion.
13.Ability to travel to Charlotte Immigration Court and other locations off-site, as needed, to execute work/responsibilities. Travel and mileage are reimbursed.
14. Support of the Mission and Vision of JusticeMatters.
15. Affirmation of the Foundation of JusticeMatters.
16.Demonstrated commitment to the Values of JusticeMatters.

About JusticeMatters

JusticeMatters is a faith-motivated, nonprofit law firm that addresses the roots and repercussions of human trafficking. Founded in 2009 in Durham, North Carolina, we provide trauma-informed legal services throughout North Carolina and we promote just policies and practices impacting our clients and community. Since
2011 we have been at the forefront of efforts to integrate principles of trauma-informed care in the legal profession, recognizing that the way we provide legal services—not solely the legal results we secure—holds potential to promote the wellbeing of our clients and our workforce. Our team seeks justice, strives for excellence, upholds trauma-informed principles, embraces community, and is anchored in celebration. We envision the freedom and flourishing of all.

Compensation and Benefits

● Paid time off, (used for sick, vacation, etc.), dependent upon length of service
● 4-day/32 hour work week
● Health insurance coverage for employees 100% paid by JusticeMatters
● Health insurance for family members (paid by employee)
● Dental and vision insurance (paid by employee)
● 401(k) retirement plan
● Stipend to cover all required licenses and professional memberships

● Access to robust and personalized professional development, including but not limited to professional conferences and ongoing psychoeducation for trauma-informed design/practice

● Flexible work schedule, with opportunities to work off-site
● Paid three-month sabbatical after seven (7) years of service, and every five (5) years thereafter

*These details are for informational purposes, and this list is not exhaustive.
Benefits are subject to policy or plan changes.

For more information, please visit our website at www.justicemattersnc.org or contact
Leigh Dauchert at leigh@strategichrsolutions.com.

Ready to Apply? Send a cover letter and resume to Leigh Dauchert at jobs@justicemattersnc.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Durham, NC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• Current membership in good standing with a State Bar, and willingness to

secure membership with the North Carolina State Bar

Work Location: In person

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