Removal Defense Attorney

OVERVIEW: JFON Austin is hiring a staff attorney to represent low-income adults, children, and families in deportation and removal proceedings, primarily in the San Antonio Immigration Court. The attorney will primarily represent people seeking relief from removal, typically in the form of asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, and/or non-legal permanent resident cancellation of removal.

JOB TYPE: Full-time, exempt

COMPENSATION: $55,200 annually
BENEFITS: $5000 health care stipend; 4 weeks (20 days) paid vacation; 40 hours (5 days) of sick or personal time; access to INOVA employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential counseling, financial services, legal services, and more

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:

Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) is a non-profit organization that welcomes immigrants into our communities by providing high-quality, free or low-cost immigration legal services and conducting community education and advocacy.

Austin Region JFON is related to National Justice for Our Neighbors (NJFON), founded in 1999 by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Consult with immigrants to determine potential avenues of relief from removal or other forms of assistance in their immigration cases
Represent people in immigration removal proceedings and in cases pending before USCIS
Prepare and submit applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases before the Immigration Court and ancillary cases filed with USCIS
Maintain program statistics, client databases and files, and cooperate with reporting requirements
Supervise and work collaboratively with pro bono attorneys, paralegals, assistants, volunteers, and interns
Work under the supervision of the legal director
Scrupulously maintain attorney-client privilege and adhere to the highest standards of professional ethical responsibility
Frequently drive to the San Antonio Immigration Court. The job may also require regular driving to immigration detention facilities in Central and/or South Texas, as well as occasional travel to the Houston Asylum Office.

REQUIREMENTS:

License to practice law in any jurisdiction in the United States
Ability to work independently in immigration removal cases through initial consultations through final hearings and notices to appeal
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Fluency or high level of proficiency in written and oral Spanish
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Attentiveness to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Ability to use case management software (or to learn to do so)
Ability to drive and possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license
Commitment to advancing the human rights of all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, disability, gender, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or age

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Texas law license or ability to become licensed in Texas
Immigration law experience, especially removal defense experience
Demonstrated commitment to working with immigrants
Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, human rights, and protection of low-income persons

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to attorney@jfonaustin.org, addressed to Rebecca Rosenberg.