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.