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Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Community Defense Staff Attorney

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199

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Overview The Staff Attorney is responsible for legal representation in a variety of immigration matters, including immigration court cases, and for providing information, technical assistance, outreach, and training on behalf of income-eligible persons of all nationalities.

What’s in it for you?

The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Work-life harmony with flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

Paid time off: 20 days per year to start, with increases based on tenure.

Employee Sick and Safe Time (ESST) of 80 hours per year (pro-rated for the first year).

Holiday leave, including 11 holidays and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, life and disability insurance, retirement plan, and more.

Remote connectivity stipend of $50/month.

Professional development: $500 annual professional development stipend.

Why ILCM?

You will champion social justice and advance equity, human rights, and access to justice for those who often lack a voice.

You will gain specialized expertise in asylum, VAWA petitions, U and T visas, removal defense, and naturalization.

You will work with a committed organization dedicated to serving and empowering clients.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide representation to individuals and families in defensive immigration matters in both detained and non-detained cases, including: a) prepare and submit written pleadings and motions to the Immigration Court in Fort Snelling, MN; b) draft and file applications for relief from removal; c) meet with clients at detention facilities or remotely; d) prepare clients and witnesses for hearings; e) represent clients before the Fort Snelling Immigration Court; f) represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.

Provide representation to individuals and families in affirmative immigration matters, including: a) prepare and submit USCIS applications; b) respond to requests for evidence; c) keep clients informed about case status; d) ensure clients receive and understand communications from USCIS; e) prepare clients for interviews; f) educate clients about rights and obligations; g) case types include naturalization, U Visas, VAWA, DACA, and family unity.

Conduct Know Your Rights presentations at immigration detention facilities and in the community for unrepresented individuals.

Mentor student volunteers and staff members on legal issues and crimmigration topics.

Engage in outreach efforts to immigrant and refugee communities regarding legal services.

Conduct intake consultations and provide advice to potential clients, including those in detention and non-detained individuals at clinics or through consultations.

Identify and resolve legal issues for new clients, accept cases, and maintain client files.

Maintain client data in compliance with organization protocols, grant and contract requirements, and ethical obligations.

Provide information about immigration law to partner agencies and through presentations.

Assist in grant proposal and report preparation as needed.

Qualifications | Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.

1-3 years of legal experience, preferably in an attorney-level role or similar.

Fluency in a language spoken by a significant portion of ILCM’s client population (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Amharic, Oromo, Karen, Karenni).

Experience working with diverse populations and advocating on behalf of immigrants.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint; experience with LegalServer and immigration forms programs preferred.

Detail-oriented, service-oriented, organized, and able to meet deadlines; able to handle a high volume of assignments.

Positive attitude, flexibility, and ability to work effectively within a team.

Experience with office equipment and strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills.

Understanding of confidential information and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Compensation & Benefits ILCM offers a competitive compensation package including a starting salary of $70,000, depending on experience, and a comprehensive benefits package described above.

Application Submission Please submit a letter of interest or cover letter and resume to: hr at ilcm.org. Open until filled. Qualified candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis for an initial screening call and provided more information on the process.

For reasonable accommodations during the application or selection process, contact Diego Rivera at diego.rivera at ilcm.org. For other inquiries, contact hr at ilcm.org.

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

To learn more about ILCM, please visit our website: ilcm.org.

ILCM is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. ILCM provides equal opportunity to all applicants for employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or other protected characteristics. ILCM provides reasonable accommodations required by law to qualified individuals with disabilities who are applicants for employment or employees.

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