Staff Attorney, Immigration Legal Services - Church World Service

About CWS:

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose:

To provide legal representation on a variety of family-based and humanitarian immigration matters before USCIS, DHS, the Immigration Courts, and the BIA. Our team currently has programs for Unaccompanied Children, Afghans evacuated under Operation Allies Welcome as well as low-bono fee-based program.  

Responsibilities:

• • Conduct consultations and legal screenings of clients to determine potential eligibility for immigration relief 
  • Advise clients of potential immigration benefits and remedies and strategize the best course of pursuit. 
  • Properly manage client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests. 
  • Prepare and file all necessary documentation and evidence, including but not limited to, applications, briefs and memoranda, FOIAs, motions, and pleadings 
  • Appear with and on behalf of clients with government agencies in person and by telephone and email, including but not limited to: USCIS, EOIR, Board of Immigration Appeals, or state and local courts. 
  • Prepare clients and witnesses for court or agency appointments and interviews. 
  • Conduct legal research for each specific case and continue ongoing education to remain updated with changes in immigration law 
  • Work collaboratively to represent clients and manage caseload with a team including other attorneys, paralegals and support staff  
  • Present regular “Know Your Rights” information sharing with individuals and groups and tailor the presentations based on age, demographics, and immigration statuses of the audiences 
  • Assist legal team, Associate Director, Office Director, Regional Team and Headquarters to ensure continual grant compliance, contractual fulfillment and data reporting 
  • Regularly review cases and files individually and with supervisor and staff 
  • Represent the legal department in communication with the community and other providers and respond to staff inquiries.  
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

Education and Licensure 

 

Required:  

• Law degree or equivalent 

• Applicant must be admitted to Texas State Bar and in good standing. 

 

Experience 

• 6 years of experience to include graduate training or work experience. 
• Required: Demonstrated interest in immigration law and strong desire to represent and advocate on behalf of immigrant clients 
• Preferred:          
  • Previous professional experience representing immigrants and/or vulnerable populations.
  • Previous professional experience working with children 

Other Skills 

• Spanish language skills strongly preferred (job may have opportunity for continued language training) 

• Other foreign language skills also beneficial 

Special Requirements:

Driver’s license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for occasional, reimbursable local travel. Job will involve going to local state and immigration courts. 

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts  - Commuter Benefits