International Rescue Committee Phoenix
Staff Attorney, Children's Legal Services
International Rescue Committee Phoenix, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, 20900
Staff Attorney, Children's Legal Services
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations, responding to the worst humanitarian crises worldwide and restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and dignity to people devastated by conflict and disaster.
IRC seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Maryland Children’s Legal Services (CLS) team, providing immigration legal services to unaccompanied children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody. The attorney will conduct eligibility determinations, meet with and advise child clients, and provide direct legal representation. Relief will include filing for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, T and U visas, and may require appearances in Maryland family court, immigration court, and before the Asylum Office.
Major Responsibilities
Conduct intake and assess relief options for unaccompanied children released to sponsors in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
Handle a moderate‑to‑heavy caseload of children’s cases before immigration court and USCIS.
Represent the child’s sponsor/parent or caretaker in state court custody or guardianship proceedings related to SIJS.
Prepare, file, monitor, and represent child clients with immigration relief applications, including SIJS, asylum, U non‑immigrant status, and T non‑immigrant status.
Represent child clients before Immigration Court, attending Master Calendar and Merits hearings, filing motions, notices of appearance, change‑of‑address forms, briefs, and communicating with DHS Office of Chief Counsel.
Coordinate with IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to in‑house and external services.
Ensure client and program data are collected consistently, managed appropriately, and reported accurately per IRC program reporting requirements.
Possibly supervise legal assistants and/or interns.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of changing asylum and immigration policy through regular training and peer consultation.
Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.
Job Requirements
Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA‑accredited U.S. institution and admission to the Maryland bar.
One year of experience providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief (clinical or equivalent experience may be considered).
One year of experience before the Maryland family court representing SIJS‑related custody or guardianship cases.
Experience providing legal services to children and/or working with children is preferred.
Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
Clear oral and written communication skills, suitable for courtroom and client settings.
Bilingual in Spanish/English highly preferred; Spanish training opportunities may be available.
Deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants.
Trauma‑informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.
Evidence of ability to collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced multidisciplinary environment.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy, and willingness to travel frequently within the service area for hearings, interviews, and community outreach.
Working Environment
Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Compensation and Benefits Posted pay ranges apply to U.S.–based candidates. Exact offers are calibrated by location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
U.S. Benefits: 10 sick days; 10 U.S. holidays; 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure; medical insurance starting at $143/month; dental at $6.50/month; vision at $5/month; FSA for healthcare and commuter costs; 403(b) retirement plan with immediate vesting and matching; disability and life insurance; Employee Assistance Program.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and its workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct, which includes Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
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IRC seeks a Staff Attorney to join its Maryland Children’s Legal Services (CLS) team, providing immigration legal services to unaccompanied children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody. The attorney will conduct eligibility determinations, meet with and advise child clients, and provide direct legal representation. Relief will include filing for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, T and U visas, and may require appearances in Maryland family court, immigration court, and before the Asylum Office.
Major Responsibilities
Conduct intake and assess relief options for unaccompanied children released to sponsors in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
Handle a moderate‑to‑heavy caseload of children’s cases before immigration court and USCIS.
Represent the child’s sponsor/parent or caretaker in state court custody or guardianship proceedings related to SIJS.
Prepare, file, monitor, and represent child clients with immigration relief applications, including SIJS, asylum, U non‑immigrant status, and T non‑immigrant status.
Represent child clients before Immigration Court, attending Master Calendar and Merits hearings, filing motions, notices of appearance, change‑of‑address forms, briefs, and communicating with DHS Office of Chief Counsel.
Coordinate with IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to in‑house and external services.
Ensure client and program data are collected consistently, managed appropriately, and reported accurately per IRC program reporting requirements.
Possibly supervise legal assistants and/or interns.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of changing asylum and immigration policy through regular training and peer consultation.
Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.
Job Requirements
Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA‑accredited U.S. institution and admission to the Maryland bar.
One year of experience providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief (clinical or equivalent experience may be considered).
One year of experience before the Maryland family court representing SIJS‑related custody or guardianship cases.
Experience providing legal services to children and/or working with children is preferred.
Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
Clear oral and written communication skills, suitable for courtroom and client settings.
Bilingual in Spanish/English highly preferred; Spanish training opportunities may be available.
Deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants.
Trauma‑informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.
Evidence of ability to collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced multidisciplinary environment.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy, and willingness to travel frequently within the service area for hearings, interviews, and community outreach.
Working Environment
Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events.
May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Compensation and Benefits Posted pay ranges apply to U.S.–based candidates. Exact offers are calibrated by location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
U.S. Benefits: 10 sick days; 10 U.S. holidays; 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure; medical insurance starting at $143/month; dental at $6.50/month; vision at $5/month; FSA for healthcare and commuter costs; 403(b) retirement plan with immediate vesting and matching; disability and life insurance; Employee Assistance Program.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and its workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct, which includes Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
#J-18808-Ljbffr