Founded in 1984, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is a nationally-recognized legal services organization on the front lines of defending and advancing the rights of immigrants. Each year, NWIRP provides direct legal representation and assistance in immigration matters to thousands of people with low incomes who come from over 150 countries and speak over 60 different languages. NWIRP challenges unjust policies through high-impact lawsuits and advocates for laws and policies that respect the rights of immigrants. NWIRP is also a trusted provider of immigration-related community education for immigrant communities and social service providers.

Position:

NWIRP seeks full time English-Spanish bilingual attorneys to provide direct representation and community outreach and education to immigrant community members in Washington State. The applicants must be fluent in English and Spanish, and must be able to start their position as soon as possible. Under NWIRP’s current COVID policies, new staff members must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (unless eligible for an exemption) and must wear a face mask while in all common areas at the job location. At the time of this posting, NWIRP staff is operating mostly remotely, but some in-office work will be expected of these positions. Once current pandemic restrictions are lifted, the positions are anticipated to be eligible for a choice of hybrid or in-person work models. A minimum two-year commitment to the positions is preferred. Beginning annual salary for licensed attorneys with no prior experience is $70,509.05 and is higher for attorneys with specific types of experience. 

 

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or before the federal courts, and before the Department of Homeland Security
•  Provide direct representation to persons submitting affirmative applications with USCIS and the Department of State
• Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview clients to gather or clarify information
• Conduct case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, practices, and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system
• Establish, organize, and maintain files up to date
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking trainings and other duties in a timely manner
• Participate in NWIRP’s outreach, community education, and development efforts; and
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP’s needs

Qualification:

• Law degree
• Admission to practice of law in a U.S. state (but will consider law graduates taking the July 2022
• Bar in Washington State); for UCP position, admission to practice (or ability to waive in) in Washington State would be required)
•  Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants and willingness to support NWIRP’s mission, vision and values
• Fluent in English and Spanish (additional languages are encouraged)
• Familiarity working with interpreters; Demonstrated interest in advocating for youth (previous work experience working with children and youth is preferred, if applying for a UCP position)
• Prior experience working with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault is preferred
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and professional inclusive environment for staff and clients
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to organize information in a clear and concise manner, including strong problem solving, research, and analytical skills
• Previous work with remote legal assistance, preferred
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation
• Special consideration will be given to attorneys with at least two years of prior relevant legal experience
• Have a strong sense of judgment and decision making
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and web peer-to-peer communication platforms; Familiar with G-suite tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Gmail
• The applicant must have a valid driver’s license as each position involves some travel.

 

How to Apply:

You will need to upload a single file document including your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references via the careers page. For your cover letter, please indicate the position(s) and locations you would like to be considered for, and describe 1) how your lived or work experience make you a good fit for this role; and 2) what are some challenges you are aware of that pose barriers to providing legal advocacy to immigrant client populations. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.