SAFE Staff Attorney

JOB OVERVIEW:

The SAFE Staff Attorney will represent detained clients in removal and bond proceedings before the Dallas Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and related proceedings before USCIS. The SAFE Staff Attorney will also represent those clients who are released from custody and continue to meet income eligibility requirements.

Working closely with IRC Dallas leadership and immigration staff, as well as IRC’s HQ Immigration Technical Unit and a host of external partners, the SAFE Staff Attorney will assist in strategically expanding this removal defense program for IRC in Dallas. The attorney will bring not only relevant legal experience and a passion for this area of work, but also the creativity and flexibility needed to help lead the process of implementing and growing recently established program area—both in Dallas and at IRC.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Legal Representation

· Represent detained and non-detained noncitizen Dallas residents in removal and custody proceedings in the Dallas Immigration Court, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and before USCIS where applicable, handling a relatively large volume of cases.
· Conduct intakes and frequent follow-up meetings with detained noncitizen Dallas residents at the Prairieland Detention Center. Travel may be required in the early morning or evenings, and weekends.
· Provide personalized consultations on eligibility for release from custody, relief from removal, and legal case strategy.
· Analyze and brief complex legal issues surrounding immigration consequences of criminal convictions and determine eligibility for relief

Program Management

· Supervise the DOJ Accredited Representative and Legal Assistant/Social Worker on the IRC Dallas SAFE removal defense team.
· Ensure client and program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately and reported accurately and timely using relevant case management systems.
· Employ creativity in developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to guarantee the best legal representation.
· Work closely with the HQ Immigration Technical Unit team.
· Other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

· Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and admission to any state bar at the time of application;
· Experience providing direct legal representation in immigration court (at least 2 years’ experience preferred);
· Thorough understanding of the intersection of criminal and immigration law, including familiarity with categorical analysis;
· Deep commitment to immigrant rights, criminal justice, and/or social justice;
· Demonstrated commitment to representing low-income, disadvantaged clients;
· Ability to work well under time pressure and handle a high volume caseload;
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing
· Excellent research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills;
· Trauma-informed communication skills;
· Fluency in English required, Spanish strongly preferred;
· Must have a valid driver’s license, access to insured, personal vehicle, and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
The IRC and IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.