Fall Litigation Intern
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is currently seeking a paid, part-time Litigation Intern for Fall 2021 to assist with the organization’s litigation and community advocacy in the areas of immigrant justice and voting rights. Candidates must be currently enrolled in law school; have strong interests in immigrant justice, voting rights, and civil rights law; and be committed to serving the needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and other immigrant and refugee communities. The intern will receive a stipend commensurate with the duration of the internship.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Assist with civil rights litigation, primarily before federal courts. May include conducting legal and factual research for ongoing and potential lawsuits, drafting and reviewing complaints, motions, and other pleadings, correspondence, and written discovery; and other litigation tasks
Assist with external communications activities, such as drafting press releases and community advisories
Assist with community organizing and education activities, such as election protection and policy advocacy
Work closely and collaboratively with other offices in the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation, as well as other community organizations
Assist in general office duties, such as answering phones, outreach, and other tasks
There may be opportunities for the intern to experience working with other departments at Advancing Justice-Atlanta as desired
Requirements:
Currently enrolled law student at an accredited institution
Strong legal research and writing skills
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Interest in and passion for civil rights work and issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities
Commitment to Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta’s mission
Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Ability to work independently and proactively in a small team
Commitment to working 15-20 hours per week for the fall semester (12-14 weeks from September-December 2021). The work will be done remotely.
Prior experience working with/ties to low-income communities of color and/or immigrant or refugee communities preferred but not required
Bilingual abilities are desired but not required, particularly in Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, and/or Spanish
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter addressing your interest in the internship, resume (no more than one page), legal writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and list of three professional or academic references as one PDF to Hillary Li at hli@advancingjustice-atlanta.org by August 27, 2021.
Please write “Fall 2021 Litigation Internship” in the email subject line. No phone calls or inquiry emails, please. Applications will be accepted and considered on a rolling basis.
Immigration Paralegal
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta seeks an Immigration Paralegal to assist in the provision of immigration legal services. The need for legal representation for immigration communities in Georgia is critical. Holding over 10% of all immigration detainees in the United States, Georgia is a leader in immigration detention. The Atlanta Immigration Court’s denial rates are also amongst the highest in the country, making deportation defense legal representation even more crucial.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Support the Legal Services Department’s deportation defense caseload, including bond and parole proceedings, asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, motions to reopen, and appeals;
Assist attorneys and legal representatives with all phases of representation, including conducting intakes, document collection, research, preparing filings, maintaining case files, client communication, recording information in case management database, and translation and interpretation;
Facilitate social service referrals to community organizations and other service providers;
Travel to immigration detention centers in Georgia to meet with detainees (once safe to do so per public health guidelines and organizational policy);
Perform administrative tasks and general office duties such as appointment scheduling, answering phones, handling mail, scanning, copying, and recordkeeping;
Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship application assistance clinics;
Assist with public communications related to the Legal Services Department;
Contribute to grant applications and reports;
Work closely and collaboratively with other staff at Advancing Justice-Atlanta to support the organization's work.
Requirements:
Local to the Atlanta area, with access to reliable transportation. The position will be partially remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will require multiple days per week in the Advancing Justice – Atlanta office in Norcross, GA. Precautions are in place to ensure safe access to the office.
Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate;
A sincere desire to advocate for social change in immigrant communities through legal services and in a community setting;
Strong computer and other clerical skills;
Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and writing skills;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members;
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience as a paralegal or legal assistant;
Fluency in Spanish or one Asian language (Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic).
Salary:
The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and is based on principles of internal equity with a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
To Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to Palmer Lawrence at plawrence@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. No phone calls or inquiry emails, please. The position will remain open until filled.
Legal Program Intern
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as our Legal Program Intern to assist with the design and execution of our citizenship program. In 2020, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta helped over 500 Lawful Permanent Residents to naturalize free of charge in Georgia. In addition, by receiving fee waiver legal assistance, applicants saved around $40,000 in U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization filing fees.
The Program Intern will work closely with the Legal Program Coordinator and others to execute the day-to-day operations of the naturalization project. This is an intern position that is ideal for college students that have excelled in their coursework and have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with great attention-to-detail and who have an interest in serving communities of color.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Local to the Atlanta area, with access to reliable transportation. The position will largely be remote for the time being due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will likely require limited travel to and from the Advancing Justice – Atlanta office in Norcross, GA for certain tasks and local venues where the in-person events will be hosted (i.e. local public libraries). Precautions are in place to ensure safe access to the office and other locations.
Assist the Legal Program Coordinator with outreach strategies related to naturalization workshops, such as contacting community members, business owners, or churches.
Help promote naturalization events on social media.
Attend all naturalization clinics and help to prepare the proper materials such as N400 applications, fee waiver applications, addendums, educational and outreach materials.
Communicate with applicants registered for naturalization workshops and clinics regarding potential eligibility and required documentation.
Help enter and collect data to prepare grant reports.
Assist the Legal Program Coordinator with screening applicants who are seeking naturalization application assistance and provide information about the events.
Support with in-language translations when needed.
Requirements:
Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate college program.
Experience working in the nonprofit or government sector, with immigration law preferred.
Prior experience working with/ties to low-income immigrants and communities of color preferred, but not required.
Excellent computer skills with proven facility with data management, process flow, spreadsheet and database tracking systems.
Reliable transportation. Driver’s license and own vehicle are required. Regular travel throughout Metro-Atlanta and occasional travel outside the Metro area will be required.
Strong writing, analytical, interpersonal, time-management, and communications skills required.
Must be organized, detail-oriented, and have the ability to work effectively under pressure in both a team setting and individually.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community groups, and government agencies is preferred.
Language ability in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, or some other Asian language is preferred.
Reports to: Advancing Justice-Atlanta’s Program Associate
Start Date: Fall semester
Minimum Qualification: Currently enrolled in College.
Salary: Stipend disbursed upon successful completion of the internship program.
Position Type: Internship
Submission deadline: Please send your résumé, cover letter, writing sample, and two references (note—not recommendation letters) to Sol Ochoa, Legal Program Coordinator, at sochoa@advancingjustice-atlanta.org with the subject line “Legal Program Intern.” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and earlier submissions will receive priority.
Community Organizer
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is seeking a Community Organizer who will help us bring Asian American and BIPOC community members into the movement for environmental justice.
About Us
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta is the first nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities in Georgia and the Southeast.
We work in four major program areas: Civic Engagement and Organizing, Direct Legal Services, Impact Litigation, and Policy Advocacy.
Job Summary
The Community Organizer will be responsible for building and mobilizing a multiracial base with an emphasis on Asian Americans.
They will be directly supervised by and working closely with consulting project coordinators, working as needed with other staff and community partners for successful execution of any and all campaigns and projects.
The Organizer will also work irregular hours - weekends and evenings - to accommodate campaign and project schedules.
Main Responsibilities
Base-building:
Build member list through regular outreach and follow-up
Track member involvement and maintain member database
Call through member list, conduct one-on-ones, and hold base meetings regularly
Work with members to establish a joyful, abolitionist culture within the base
Political education and skills-building:
Identify and facilitate skills-trainings and political education required by base members to build political consciousness, capacity, and leadership, particularly around matters of education, language equity, and immigrant rights in the South.
Work with base members to develop culturally responsive, multilingual political education content for broader AAPI/BIPOC communities - can include curricula, infographics, zines, podcasts, Facebook live streams, etc.
Research and practice new and creative organizing methods with the base
Campaign development and mobilization:
Conduct issue surfacing surveys to identify main environmental needs and issues affecting base members and their communities
Organize with base members to address these needs and issues through collective action
Work with members to integrate our cultural and political identities into organizing work
Develop and strengthen strategic alliances with community partners and other local organizations
Experience and Skill Requirements
Demonstrated commitment to working for environmental justice with immigrant and BIPOC communities
At least 1 year of experience working with grassroots organizations and/or campaigns in AANHPI/AMEMSA, youth, queer, and/or immigrant communities strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to base build, facilitate meetings and trainings, and organize to address community needs (does not have to be in an explicitly political setting, e.g. student associations)
Community-oriented and collaborative person who is also capable of working independently
Familiarity with local BIPOC, AANHPI/AMEMSA, and immigrant communities
Bilingual in English and an Asian language preferred
Flexibility and willingness to work evenings/weekends
Access to vehicle and a valid GA driver’s license
Commitment to the mission, goals, and work of Advancing Justice – Atlanta
Compensation
Compensation with benefits is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. This is a one year contract.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and a thoughtful cover letter to E Lim at elim@advancingjustice-atlanta.org outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applications without all required components will not be considered.
This position is available for immediate hire.
Advancing Justice – Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color, low-income people, women, trans, gender non-conforming, and LGBQIA+ people to apply.
Development Associate
Atlanta, GA
The Development Associate is responsible for assisting and supporting fundraising operations for Advancing Justice - Atlanta. This person will manage, track grants, and support the organization and program development goals. The Development Associate will report to the Development Director and work closely with the Senior Leadership team and grant writers.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include: grant writing and grant report management, coordinate with program staff, manage the grants calendar, and assist in individual fundraising campaigns on social media.
Support Development Director and work with program staff to align specific fundraising strategies with program and organizational priorities and to grow their role and work in fundraising.
Work in collaboration with the Development Director to develop revenue strategies to create and track program budgets.
Work with the Finance Department to reconcile finances with fundraising outcomes.
Implement and manage the use of grant and donor databases and other information management systems to support fundraising efforts.
Plan and organize Advancing Justice - Atlanta annual fundraising events (Legislative breakfast, Annual Gala, etc.).
Liaison with the Communications department on coordinated fundraising campaigns.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
Budget management experience required
Foundation relationships and grant writing experience required
Familiarity with Salesforce
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills
Salary/Benefits
This position is a full-time position with full benefits. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, 3 professional references, and a writing sample to jobs@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. Include job title in the subject line. No phone calls or inquiry emails, please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
Staff Accountant
Atlanta, GA
The Staff Accountant is responsible for a variety of general accounting support tasks in the Admin Department including processing accounts payable and accounts receivable in a timely and accurate manner. This position will be supervised by the Operations Director which requires good interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal.
Responsibilities
Review and verify all invoices for appropriate documentation and approval prior to payment.
Update, record, balance and maintain accounting journals, ledgers, and other records detailing financial business transactions (e.g., disbursements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposit public purchases or fees, donations, and employee reimbursements, including maintaining spreadsheets for such billings). Enters data into the accounting system.
Compute and verify Work Hour Sheets.
Compile data and prepare a variety of reports.
Reconciles records with internal company employees and management, or external vendors or customers.
Recommends actions to resolve discrepancies.
Investigates questionable data/ transactions.
Support other departments
Work on any other projects deemed necessary by Supervisors or CEO
Requirements
Associate’s degree in Accounting or minimum two years of accounting experience.
Payroll and Quick Books experience a plus
Experience working in a non-profit is preferred.
Attention to detail and ability to multitask is an asset
Must be PC proficient and able to thrive in a fast -pace setting. Must be competent in Microsoft applications including Excel, Outlook and Word.
Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required. Work under pressure and meet deadlines required.
The marginal functions of this position have not been included. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties. An employee will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by the Operation Director.
Salary/Benefits
Salary will be negotiated, depending on experience. Benefits include full medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan. Parking provided.
To Apply
Send resumes to Janae Bruce at jbruce@advancingjustice-atlanta.org with the subject line: Staff Accountant
No phone calls or inquiry emails, please.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
Senior Staff Attorney
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta seeks a Senior Staff Attorney to provide and assist in the supervision of immigration legal services to individuals in removal proceedings. Holding over 10% of all immigration detainees in the United States, Georgia is a leader in immigration detention. The Atlanta Immigration Court’s denial rates are also amongst the highest in the country, making the need for deportation defense even more critical. This opportunity is geared towards an attorney with at least three years of experience practicing before immigration agencies.
Main Responsibilities
Independently manage a caseload of deportation defense cases, including bond and parole proceedings, asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, motions to reopen, and appeals;
Assist in the supervision of the legal work of staff attorneys and legal representatives in support of both detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings;
Conduct immigration consultations and provide pro se legal advice;
Travel to detention centers in Georgia to meet with detainees (once safe to do so per public health guidelines and organizational policy);
Provide topic-specific trainings in immigration law and practice for legal staff;
Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship clinics;
Develop relationships with stakeholders and community partners;
Contribute to grant applications and reports.
Requirements
Local to the Atlanta area, with access to reliable transportation. The position will largely be remote for the time being due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will likely require limited travel to and from the Advancing Justice – Atlanta office in Norcross, GA for certain tasks. Precautions are in place to ensure safe access to the office.
J.D. from an accredited university;
Membership in good standing in the bar of any state and/or the District of Columbia;
A sincere desire to advocate for social change in immigrant communities through legal services and in a community setting;
Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and writing skills;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members;
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.
Preferred qualifications
At least three years of experience practicing before immigration agencies;
Prior experience training staff and supervising casework;
Fluency in Spanish or one Asian language (Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic).
Selection will be based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s academic and professional qualifications, experience as an attorney representing immigrants before federal immigration agencies, knowledge of immigration law, and whether the applicant has a demonstrated commitment to the public interest and community lawyering.
Salary/Benefits
The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and is based on principles of internal equity with a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
To Apply
Send a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a legal writing sample (5-10 pages) to Palmer Lawrence at plawrence@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. No phone calls or inquiry emails, please. The position will remain open until filled.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.
Deputy Director
Atlanta, GA
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta (Advancing Justice-Atlanta) seeks an experienced, dynamic, and mission-aligned leader to join our team as Deputy Director. The Deputy Director is responsible for ensuring the overall success of Advancing Justice-Atlanta's programs. The Deputy Director leads program implementation and supervision and development of program staff. The role also includes partnering with the Executive Director to support organizational goal setting and visioning, as well as creating a culture of learning. The Deputy Director is a management-level staff position, supervises multiple staff, and reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
Requirements
Organizational Strategy & Culture
Co-create strategy to advance core organizational priorities (immigrant justice, voting rights, civil rights, and others).
Cultivate learning and innovation culture.
Program Management
Implement and evaluate program strategy through leading program staff, creating structures and processes, and developing project management, evaluation, and other tools.
Develop & manage program budgets.
Partnerships & Coalition
Advise and build relationships with stakeholders that are essential to the organization’s work.
Serve as Advancing Justice-Atlanta’s representative to stakeholders and the general public.
Human Resources
Supervision, mentorship, and coaching of program staff.
Ensure ongoing professional and leadership development.
Experience, Qualifications & Skills
At least 5-7 years of experience with increasing leadership roles. Supervision and implementation experience with policy advocacy, litigation, legal services, and/or community organizing programs.
Commitment to social, economic, racial, and immigrant justice movements. Experience working with low-income immigrant communities of color.
Models excellence for work performance and care of the organization, its values, and staff.
Possesses high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to develop strong relationships with the Executive Director, staff, and organizational partners
Invested in developing individual and team leadership. Possesses a wide range of leadership and management skills.
Approaches program implementation and problem-solving proactively with an eye towards small and large challenges and applies flexibility, creativity, and humor.
Experience with creating structures and processes for program implementation.
Ability to work and thrive in a small collaborative teamwork environment is required.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Candidates holding an MA or JD degree are preferred.
Salary/Benefits
Salary range for this position is commensurate with experience. A full benefits package is included.
To Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to jobs@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. Applications will be accepted and considered on a rolling basis.
No phone calls or inquiry emails, please.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.