Victims of Violence Staff Attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative

Job Title:  Victims of Violence Staff Attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative 

Focus Areas: Immigration 

Reports to:  Managing Director of Immigration Services 

Status:    Full-Time 

Location: LAA Atlanta Office 

Position Purpose: The LAA seeks a talented attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative with experience in immigration law to provide direct legal services and administrative support to Service applicants for U Visa and VAWA immigration relief.   

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Interview and screen clients, assess client needs, and advise clients on VAWA, U Nonimmigrant Status and immigration law 
• Research immigration law, statutory and case law  
• Monitor changes in U Visa policy and immigration law as they affect clients 
• Prepare appropriate immigration applications 
• Represent clients in USCIS interviews 
• Follow-up on client deadlines 
• Prepare memoranda and briefs to USCIS and AAO 
• Supplement immigration applications with appropriate supporting documentation 
• Prepare and represent clients at USCIS interviews 
• Supervise a paralegal/legal assistant, interns, and volunteers, as appropriate 
• Participate in community outreach programs, including giving presentations to community groups and organizations 
• Provide training to other staff members, as appropriate 
• Maintain accurate and orderly records and files 
• Maintain data, statistics and create reports, as required by grants 
• Maintain and protect client confidentiality 
• Interface with other legal professionals, attend meetings and represent the LAA, as directed 
• Assist in developing funding sources
• Comply with all grant policies and procedures 
• Perform other related duties and tasks, as necessary or as assigned 

Qualifications: 

- If Attorney 

• Law Degree from accredited law school 
• Membership in good standing of State Bar 

- If DOJ Accredited Representative 

• Experience handling VAWA and U Visa Cases 
• Currently a DOJ Accredited Representative (Full or Partial) or an individual with the education, experience, and documented support necessary to become one upon hiring 

- Fluency in English AND Spanish REQUIRED; knowledge of another language is a plus 

- Knowledge of and experience in U Visa, VAWA and immigration law 

- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills 

- Sensitive to issues facing victims of domestic violence and needs of low income and culturally diverse clients 

- Prior supervisory experience, preferably in a legal setting 

- Strong organizational skills and attentive to detail 

- Ability to multitask and work in fast-paced environment 

- Strong analytical and writing skills 

- Excellent computer skills and office administration skills 

- Previous experience working with immigrant communities  

Applicant may be required to pass a background check, including education verification, criminal history and DMV history, as a condition of employment.   

Compensation:  Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. 

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform other related duties as may be required by their supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Submit resumes and qualifications to gkocerha@thelaa.org. 

Learn more about the LAA at www.thelaa.org