Staff Attorney - Immigration (lived experience)

JOB TITLE: Staff Attorney Immigration Unit. Full Time, permanent, exempt, staff position.

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, from 9:00am-5:00pm. Thirty-five (35) hours per week.

REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney, Immigration Unit

OFFICE LOCATION: 1671 Worcester Road, Suite 203, Framingham MA 01701

HYBRID WORK: The attorney is required to work in-person at least two (2) days a week. 

SALARY RANGE: Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $73,000 plus experience credit if applicable. 

LANGUAGE(S): In addition to English, candidates who are fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole are strongly preferred. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Founded in 1976, MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights and the well-being of people living in poverty, people aged 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. Through its Immigration Unit, MWLS provides legal assistance to noncitizens in humanitarian immigration matters such as asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, VAWA, T, and U visa applications. In this position, MWLS seeks an attorney to primarily represent immigrants in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court and also handle some affirmative immigration matters. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• As a member of MWLS’ Immigration Unit, provide high-quality, client-centered immigration legal services primarily to clients in removal proceedings whose cases have been accepted through the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI), which is a universal representation program.
• Advise and represent clients in a variety of humanitarian immigration matters including applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, VAWA and U visa relief before the Immigration Court, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Probate and Family Courts, and occasionally the Board of Immigration Appeals and the federal courts.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners also serving vulnerable immigrant communities and experiencing poverty.
• Coordinate and monitor program intake, referrals, and other administrative processes as needed.
• Contribute to the development and distribution of program materials for the Immigration Unit.
• Participate in statewide legal services coalition groups focused on issues related to immigration law.  
• Participate in occasional community and fundraising events for MWLS.
• As needed, provide guidance on immigration law to advocates working in other substantive areas at MWLS. 
• Maintain case notes and client data in MWLS’ case management software. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned.  

BENEFITS: Strong benefits package includes generous paid time off leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, travel expense reimbursement plan, a multi-lingual increment for demonstrated language skills, and professional development opportunities.

•  Juris Doctor and admission to the Massachusetts Bar in good standing required. 
• 1-3 years of relevant work experience as a practicing immigration attorney.
• Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services required.
• Commitment and/or experience working with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination, or possess lived experience in these areas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, community partners, and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to manage a large caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience and comfort working with electronic case management systems and other technologies.
• Ability to travel to courthouses, occasional statewide events, and throughout the MWLS service area (MWLS has a travel expense reimbursement plan) required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Removal defense experience is strongly preferred.
• Spoken fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole is strongly preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.