Immigration Staff Attorney (Bilingual in Spanish Preferred) - Esperanza Center

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠

Salary: $71,890-74,794 per year (depending on experience level)

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Esperanza Center, is seeking an Immigration Attorney, who will be a part of the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) at the Esperanza Center. Provides counsel and representation to low-income immigrants and their families before the federal immigration courts, Maryland state courts and the Department of Homeland Security regarding a wide range of immigration matters. Assists and supervises law students, volunteers, and pro-bono attorneys. The work schedule is Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, Hybrid- At least 3 days in office

The Esperanza Center is a comprehensive resource center whose mission is to welcome immigrants by offering hope, compassionate services, and the power to improve their lives. Since 1963, immigrants from all over the world have trusted the Esperanza Center to help them navigate life in a new country. Our dedicated staff and volunteers provide services related to education, healthcare, immigration legal matters, family reunification for unaccompanied immigrant children, and general community support to thousands of immigrants each year.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English, in both the written and spoken word.

• Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team providing comprehensive and trauma-informed services to immigrants of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
• Manage high-volume case load concerning various immigration matters including asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, family-based petitions and visas, non-immigrant visa processing, TPS, NACARA, adjustment of status, naturalization, hardship waivers, Cancellation of Removal, U- and T-Visas, and other motions and legal memoranda.

• Assist with the intake process and provide telephonic and in-person interviews and consultations to prospective clients.
• Provide representation in custody and guardianship proceedings in Maryland Circuit Court, through a Maryland license or admission under Rule 15; in CIS interviews before the Baltimore District Office and the Asylum Office in Arlington, SVA; and in federal immigration court and other administrative bodies on immigration matters.
• Performs legal research on AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other related primary and secondary sources of immigration law and regulations.
• Assists with community outreach and education, group presentations and workshops, and represents the agency to organizations at community and professional functions.
• Assists with program communications and grant reports by tracking case statistics and outcomes.
• Support periodic fundraising campaigns and events, attend program and Center-wide retreats, meetings and events and promote The Esperanza Center.
• Recruit, train and mentor pro bono attorneys to co-counsel on ILS and referred cases.
• Perform case-related administrative duties, including maintaining accurate, complete and confidential case files.
• Assure that program services and policies and procedures are consistent with program and Agency philosophy.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one State or a Federal District Court.
• Knowledge of immigration law.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent communication, analytical, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to set priorities and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work with clients from diverse cultures.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience in serving culturally diverse clientele.
• Ability to act with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations.
• Requires the ability to utilize computer systems and software necessary to perform position functions. Basic Windows PC, web browsing (i.e. Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.), and Microsoft Outlook skills required. Other Microsoft Office application knowledge, such as Word, Excel PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one work site to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and to observe and communicate with others.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer