Staff Attorney Immigration Court Legal Orientation Program

Job Description

Catholic Charities of Boston is looking for a Staff Attorney to join our Immigration Court Legal Orientation Program team! The attorney will be an integral part of the multilingual and multicultural legal team that provides specific legal orientation services at the Immigration Court under the US Department of Justice Executive Office of Immigration Review, Office of Legal Access Programs contracts. The staff attorney provides group and individual legal orientation sessions and legal information to inform individuals who have a hearing at Immigration Court and are unrepresented by an attorney, about court practices, procedures, and general information about options related to relief and protection from removal. The staff attorney trains and supervises paralegals assigned to the ICLOP program. The position is full-time and requires at least three days of in-person services at the Boston Immigration Court or office in South Boston, MA and optional two days of hybrid/remote work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that the activities of this position and relevant programs are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Charitable Bureau Archdiocese of Boston and Refugee and Immigrant Services.

Conduct group and/or individual legal orientations, using approved materials, for unrepresented individuals in removal proceedings at the Boston Immigration Court, including families assigned to the Dedicated Docket, and/or custodians of unaccompanied minors for both pre-and post-release cases.

Act as Friend of Court to assist unrepresented respondents and the Court in the administration of Master Calendar Hearings.

Develop pro se self-help materials and pro se self-help workshops.

Promote and facilitate pro bono representation for unrepresented individuals.

Respond to follow up questions and make appropriate referrals to local social and legal services.

Assist with the preparation for site monitoring visits and participate in the visits and be available to take the lead in staffing the site visit if requested.

Supervise and train paralegals, law student interns, and administrative staff. Participate in recruitment, interviewing and hiring of new staff.

Meet with supervisee(s) weekly and be available to address questions that arise.

Engage with supervisor on training and professional growth opportunities.

Stay abreast of changes in immigration law, executive and administrative orders, policy directives and related issues that affect immigrants in removal proceedings

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and always ensure the confidentiality and privacy of all client information

Track required program data as required for both timekeeping and performance purposes. Ensure data is submitted on deadline and attest to accuracy.

Participate in opportunities to highlight the work of the program and impact on people served.

Represent the ICLOP at local and national level at request of supervisor; actively participate in sharing of best practices or raising relevant issues of policy and procedure relevant to the Immigration Court or serving unrepresented individuals.

Participate in local working groups and community meetings related to removal defense and/or asylum for both learning and networking purposes.

Perform work at the Boston Immigration Court and a Catholic Charities office; and in a virtual/remote environment with prior approval. virtual/remote work with prior approval.

Work is performed in the office using office equipment. Sitting and standing for extended periods may be necessary when working in the office or remote.

Local travel as required to perform the functions of the position.

Other related responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Authorized to practice law. Admitted in any state. Department of Justice (DOJ) Fully Accredited Representative may be considered.

Minimum 1-2 years in the practice of immigration law; preferably humanitarian, removal, or family-based immigration law.

Bilingual Haitian Creole/English, Spanish/English, Portuguese/English, or French/English or proven experience in working effectively with interpreters.

Strong communication skills, including public speaking skills, and ability to convey complex legal concepts to a general audience.

Demonstrated cultural competence and responsiveness and ability to relate well and effectively in a multicultural and multilingual workplace with diverse client population

Commitment to racial justice and equity

Strong proficiency with MS Office365, e-learning and webinars, and experience with database systems

Experience with virtual communication and meeting tools including Zoom, WhatsApp, Webex and Microsoft Teams

Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with co-workers, clients, and community service providers.

Our benefits are competitive and include a 403(b) savings plan and generous time off.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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2/2024