Bilingual Staff Attorney (Removal Defense Unit)

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a full-time bilingual Staff Attorney to work in the Removal Defense Unit as part of our Seattle office. The role involves providing direct representation, individual consultations, and community outreach to immigrant community members seeking immigration protections before immigration courts and USCIS.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or before the federal courts, and before the Department of Homeland Security
• Provide direct representation to persons submitting affirmative applications with USCIS and the Department of State
• Conduct presentations, workshops, legal clinics, and intakes, by phone and in person
• Conduct case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, practices, and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system
• Establish, organize, and maintain files up to date
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking training, and other duties in a timely manner
• Participate in NWIRP’s outreach, community education, and development efforts; and
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP’s needs

Skills

• Law degree
• Admission to the bar of any state in the U.S
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and eagerness to support NWIRP's mission, vision and values
• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally-inclusive legal representation
• Commitment to creating a welcoming, professional, and inclusive environment for staff and clients, and to working with a diverse community in a challenging environment
• Fluency in in English and a second language (Spanish preferred), and additional languages are encouraged
• Strong ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications (including Word and Excel), and web peer-to-peer communication platforms; familiarity with G-suite tools (Google Docs, Google Sheets and Gmail)
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to take on a substantive caseload
• The applicant must have a valid driver's license as the position involves some travel
• Prior immigration law and removal experience preferred, including filing motions to reopen
• Prior experience working with survivors and/or those accused of domestic violence or sexual assault
• Experience handling a high-volume caseload preferred

Benefits

• Fully paid health, vision and dental plans for employee-level coverage with employer-funded