The Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program provides immigration legal services and fingerprinting services to immigrants and refugees in the Rocky Mountain region. The primary focus of the Immigration Attorney position is to provide immigration legal consultations and direct representation on cases derived from consultations, referrals, or as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consults with clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region one-on-one and in a workshop setting to determine legal options and eligibility for various forms of immigration benefits including, but not limited to, adjustment of status, naturalization, employment authorization, and family reunification.
• Handles ongoing representation of cases derived from consultations in compliance with grant requirements and under the direction of the Managing Attorney.
• Prepares applications and supporting documentation to be filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Maintains accurate and complete case files.
• Advises, prepares, counsels, and represents clients in cases before USCIS for naturalization interviews, and in limited cases, for adjustment of status interviews.
• Researches complex questions regarding U.S Immigration laws using INA and CFR.
• Organizes and leads regional case specific workshops, including volunteer recruitment and training.
• Effectively conducts public community outreach presentations on immigration issues.
• Serves as liaison with private bar, governmental agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
• Drafts reports, memos, and other business correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent legal writing and oral communication skills
• Experience researching legal issues using CFR, INA, BIA case law, Circuit Court of Appeals decisions, and other governmental agency memorandum.
• Experience using Word, Excel, Email, etc.
• Ability to work with foreign nationals and possess cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Foreign language skills preferred but not required.
• Ability to work in close collaboration with other nonprofit, government or private agencies.
• Must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license; have a reliable and consistently available vehicle; and be able to regularly travel throughout the agency's service area by way of interstate highways and primary and secondary roads, including those passing through the mountainous terrain within the state and region.
• Must carry automobile liability insurance at the level of $100,000/300,000/100.000.
• Demonstrates commitment to the mission, values, and vision of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; and Juris Doctorate Degree from American Bar Association-accredited law school. Active Bar Membership in good standing is required. One to two years legal experience required. Immigration legal experience preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may supervise up to (2) people.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS!

• Flexible work schedules, including hybrid in-person/remote work. Newborn bonding time is available as part of schedule flexibility.
• Agency paid bar dues, continuing legal education, and costs associated with annual conferences.
• May qualify for Pubic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Outstanding health, dental and vision benefits with low employee premiums. Multiple plans are available.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) may be selected.
• Optional life insurance, accident insurance and short term and long-term disability.
• Generous vacation (15 days per year) and sick (12 days per year) leave, accrual beginning upon hire, 13 annual agency holidays and potential for additional floating holidays.
• Agency provided equipment, including mobile telephone or telephone stipend, and mileage reimbursement.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional growth and development opportunities locally, regionally and nationally.
• A positive work environment and culture of staff support and recognition.