Attorney

POSITION TITLE: Attorney

REPORTS TO: Lead Attorney

WORKSITE: Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in 10 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay. To learn more, visit CIRAconnect.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Each Attorney is an integral part of CIRA’s Legal Department. The individual in this position will help implement a new project to provide legal assistance to individuals detained in ICE custody. The core functions of this staff Attorney position, described in more detail below, are (1) outreach and legal orientation in county jails; (2) analysis of bond and relief eligibility; and (3) direct representation for a modest number of clients.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Outreach and Legal Orientation in Jails

• Engage with county jails across Nebraska that routinely house ICE detainees to create opportunities to offer immigration legal orientation presentations and screening in select jails;

• Contribute to the development and periodic updating of legal orientation and/or self-help materials to be approved and utilized in county jails;

• Travel to select county jails in various regions of Nebraska to provide legal orientation presentations to groups of detainees, and to offer detainees the opportunity to complete a screening questionnaire;

• Offer individualized legal consultations to detainees as appropriate.

Analysis of Bond and Relief Eligibility

• Routinely review screening questionnaires and intake forms pertaining to detained noncitizens, which will be gathered by and submitted to CIRA through multiple channels;

• Based on disclosed and discoverable immigration and offense history, analyze each detainee’s apparent eligibility for immigration court proceedings, release on bond, and relief from removal;

• For detainees who appear bond eligible, seek to refer the client to an external volunteer attorney or a CIRA attorney for pro bono representation in the bond case;

• Develop expertise and serve as a resource to CIRA representatives and external partners regarding the immigration consequences of crimes, as well as best practices in representation in bond proceedings.

Direct Representation

• Represent a modest caseload of clients before the Omaha Immigration Court, and potentially the Board of Immigration Appeals; the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS and ICE); the Department of State; and United States District Courts and Courts of Appeal.

• In taking on direct representation cases, prioritize bond representation and detained removal defense for individuals who are ineligible for or denied bond but have strong claims to relief from removal.

• Maintain complete and accurate case records in physical and digital files and within CIRA’s legal case management software, as described in the Legal Procedures Manual.

• Maintain regular contact with clients and promptly return client communications in compliance with the Legal Procedures Manual.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• J.D. degree with a license to practice law in Nebraska or ability to obtain a license to practice law in Nebraska.

• Spanish language ability is preferred.

• Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.

• Ability to take initiative and make difficult decisions when necessary.

• Exceptional interpersonal communication and people skills.

• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.

• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

• Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

• Ability to think strategically, problem-solve, exercise good judgement, and lead change.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Regular travel to different regions of Nebraska is anticipated, perhaps once a month.

COMPENSATION:

• Starting annual salary of at least $65,000.

• Excellent benefits including:

• Unlimited paid time off; 9 paid holidays with year-end holiday break

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; employee assistance program; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and FMLA

• Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities

• Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement

TO APPLY

• Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link.

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