Staff Attorney, Kids In Need of Defense

Company: Immigratin Advocatres Network
Location: Santa Clara
Posted on: May 11, 2022

Job Description:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child's rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has accepted the referrals of over 20,000 children who require high quality representation in their immigration proceedings by welcoming 41,000 attendees at trainings for attorneys, other legal staff, and community partners as well as cultivating partnerships with over 600 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. Position:
KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff. Responsibilities:

• Based on caseloads and experience, funding streams, and institutional priorities, perform hybrid mentoring and direct legal representation functions, including providing robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case as well as providing zealous legal advocacy to KIND's clients in direct representation cases. Percentage of mentoring and direct representation caseloads will be determined by management in the Legal Services component;
• Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing direct representation, including: legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state court or agencies; and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits;
• Place cases with pro bono attorneys and build relationships between KIND and the pro bono community;
• In coordination with KIND's Training and Technical Assistance Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups;
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND's case management systems;
• Contribute to overall office functioning, including joining field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, participating in field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events; and,
• As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-legal staff including: onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight. Qualifications:
  • J.D. and admitted to local bar;
  • Minimum 1 year experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas and T visas;
  • Minimum 1 year experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, or experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma;
  • Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.
  • Advanced fluency in Spanish language required since majority of caseload is working directly with clients
  • Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers preferred.
  • Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team How to Apply:
    To apply for this position, please provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and formal application here .

Keywords: Immigratin Advocatres Network, Santa Clara , Staff Attorney, Kids In Need of Defense, Legal , Santa Clara, California