The International Institute of Akron is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization existing in Akron, Ohio for over 100 years. The heart of our work has always been to foster a sense of home for immigrants in our community. Our mission is to enrich the vitality of our local community by helping immigrants achieve an empowered life with dignity, connection, and belonging. We accomplish this by providing refugee resettlement case management, social services, employment services, education, language access, and immigration legal services to refugees and immigrants. Our vision is to foster a just, open, and vibrant multi-cultural community where immigrants are thriving because ALL people are treated with dignity and respect.

 

Position:

IIA seeks an entry-level immigration attorney. The attorney will provide legal assistance to community members through: direct representation; individual consultations; self-help assistance in the form of community workshops and legal clinics; and community education. This position will focus on providing legal representation in various immigration matters, but focusing on representing community members seeking immigration status through refugee status or family visa petitions;  representing asylum seekers and victims of violent crimes in applying for immigration benefits (including self-petitions, U or T visas and other forms of relief); representing lawful permanent residents to file applications for naturalization; and 4) defending individuals in removal proceedings. The staff attorney may also be assigned work relating to other immigration matters. The attorney will work closely with other staff members and community partners in the Northeast Ohio region in conducting citizenship workshops, outreach and community education, and providing individual consultations to persons who may be eligible for immigration benefits.

Applicants should be detail-oriented, assertive self-starters who can work well with minimum supervision. Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills are required. Fluency in English and Spanish and/or another language or some experience in immigration law practice preferable. Salary range $50,000-55,000, plus health, vision, dental, and generous vacation benefits.

 

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct representation to persons in removal proceedings;
•  Provide direct representation to persons submitting affirmative applications with USCIS;
• Conduct presentations, workshops, legal clinics and individual consultations;
• Provide support to other IIA staff on cases;
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting and other requirements;
• Participate in IIA’s outreach, community education and development efforts;
• Supervise legal secretaries, DOJ accredited representatives, law clerks, interns and volunteer attorneys;
• Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff.

Qualifications:

• Law degree from accredited U.S. law school;
•  Admission to the bar of any state in the U.S. (will consider a law graduate planning on taking the next bar examination);
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and willingness to support IIA’s mission, vision and values;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive working environment;
• Fluent in English;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently;
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, MS Word and MS Excel;
• Fluency in other language(s) and/or some experience in immigration law preferable;
• Salary based on experience; plus health, dental, and generous vacation benefits.

How to Apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and references to careers@iiakron.org with the subject “Staff Attorney Application.” Full consideration will be given to those who apply by August 31, 2022. Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.