Staff Attorney
Join our RAICES Team!
Are you ready to join our dedicated team operating on the national frontlines fighting for immigration rights? The ideal candidate shares our vision of a compassionate society where all people have the right to migrate and human rights are guaranteed. RAICES has many opportunities to contribute, grow, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that values dedication and collaboration.
Who We Are
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations. We provide a holistic approach to immigrants. RAICES not only assists immigrants in navigating through complicated immigration laws, but we also assist immigrants with social needs through case management and providing assistance with housing. RAICES advocates that justice is an inherent human right that should be awarded to everyone regardless of age, religion, country of origin, sexual orientation, or ability to pay for legal counsel.
What We Do
We defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families, and communities, and advocate for liberty and justice.
COVID-19 Response
Protecting the health and safety of employees and clients remains essential. We currently practice social distancing and encourage masks in all public areas. RAICES is using a phased-in approach to return staff to resume in-office operations. This position will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location. Applicants must be adaptable and open to working in both environments.
Hybrid Work Plan
- Currently, all interviews are virtual.
- Our employees work in-office and remotely based on their role and business needs.
- Our mission-centered employee will be required to work in the assigned location when we reinstate normal operations.
- Applicants must reside in the state of Texas.
- Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.
What We Offer
A career at RAICES offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for advocating for immigrant rights. Our total rewards package offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits! Additional benefits include:
- Generous PTO, plus 14 paid Holidays
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Spending Account
- Dependent Care Account
- Parental & Family Leave
- 403(b) - no waiting period on eligibility and immediate vesting after 90 days
RAICES is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, change of sex, and transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request.
Staff attorneys will be responsible for zealously representing individuals pursuing benefits or seeking relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Staff Attorney works as a team with Legal Assistant and other staff.
Responsibilities:
- Provides direct representation to a large caseload of individuals and/or families in immigration matters. Legal representation may be before the the Immigration Court (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Administrative Appeals Office, in custody matters before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Asylum Office, State and federal courts, Department of State, agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and in credible/reasonable fear interviews and applications for affirmative relief before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
- Conducts thorough immigration screenings for consultees to assess for immigration relief, including explanation of their rights and available options, benefits and risks of applying, processes, and costs if any;
- Coordinates for additional client services as necessary with the Litigation Unit, the RAICES Bond Fund,
- The Social Programs, and Advocacy Department;
- Ensures entry to timely, accurate, and detailed case data according to grantor provisions and as required by RAICES;
- Contributes to grant reporting, as applicable;
- Supervises case work of assigned Legal Assistants, Senior Legal Assistants, Interns, or other non-legal staff as applicable;
- Represents RAICES in occasional community presentations, outreach, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and/or media interviews;
- Provides pro se assistance to prospective clients; and
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school;
- Bar association admission / membership in good standing;
- Bilingual or multilingual;
- Able to pass a Federal Background Check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 0-2 years of experience with Immigration Law, Family Law, and Criminal Law.
- Law school experience will be considered.
- Experience in immigration and/or criminal law, preferred.
- A current bar membership in good standing. Barred in Texas is preferred but not required.
Attributes:
- Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision and values – Empowerment, Excellence, Compassion, Inclusion and being Proactive.
- Able to communicate cross-culturally and work in a multicultural setting with patience and compassion with diverse individuals;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team;
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; and
- Excellent oral and written communication skills