Amica Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Who We Are

The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights fights for the rights, safety, and unity of immigrant communities, standing with those trapped in our nation's fundamentally flawed immigration system. We engage in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrant children and adults facing detention and deportation in the Capital Region and beyond, because everyone has the right to be free, safe, and supported. 

Our Work Environment

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. DAP provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures. 

Amica Center's Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees. 

DAP staff are a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies. 

Position Summary

 A Senior Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on (i) the provision of direct legal services under a universal representation model to immigrant adults held in facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere outside the DMV region, (ii) the supervision of staff attorneys and paralegals (also including supervision of interns and fellows ); and (iii) the mentoring of pro bono attorneys. The Senior Attorney provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures.  

General Duties and Responsibilities [1] 

Representation:  

• Manages caseload of direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings primarily before the Annandale, Hyattsville, and Elizabeth Immigration Courts and other courts as needed. This includes representation in cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Cancellation of Removal. An average senior attorney's docket consists of about one individual hearing per month and some form of ongoing representation for 10-15 clients at the same time. 
• Supervise and coordinate with paralegal staff on case support. 
• As needed, provide direct supervision to staff attorneys on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management.  
• Provide expert mentoring to outside attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis.  
• Assist other program staff during high work/low bandwidth periods.  
• Participate in stakeholder relationship activities.  
• Engage with internal Amica Center committees and working groups to support the organization's growth and strategy.  

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 

Additional Role-Specific Details:

Position Type

Full-time, exempt position

Reports To

Managing Attorney

Supervisory Responsibility

Senior attorneys may be assigned direct supervision of staff attorneys and paralegals based on program needs.

Hiring Timeline

Applications will be accepted and offers made on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary [2]

Starting at  $85,500

[2] In 2018 Amica Center implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary.

Location and/or Travel Requirements: This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Travel to the area when needed for hearings, jail visits, and programmatic meetings is required.

Telework: Amica Center operates a hybrid work environment where staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel.

Benefits: Amica Center offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, life insurance and pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV.

Paid Time Off: Amica Center provides personal, sick and volunteer time off, federal holidays, winter break closure and parental leave.

EEO Statement: Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Amica Center prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amica Center conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Our Anti-Racism Statement: To learn more about our anti-racism statement click here.

COVID-19 Vaccination: All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters.

How to Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample that explains your interest in this role with your Paylocity submission.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and will be a member of the Amica Center United bargaining unit.

Requirements

Competencies Required:

Legal Proficiency 

The Senior Attorney demonstrates a solid understanding of legal concepts at a level that allows them to provide services to clients with limited supervision. The Senior Attorney clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations and assists junior staff in doing the same. The Senior Attorney has taken on multiple hearings or interviews for clients with limited supervision. The Senior Attorney is able to competently supervise Staff Attorneys on client interaction matters and legal strategy, research, and writing. The Senior Attorney demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The Senior Attorney competently handles, and supervises, all required programmatic obligations (staff supervision, program reporting requirements, intake, follow-up, relief eligibility memos for pro bono placement, etc.). The Senior Attorney manages their supervision responsibilities and in-house and pro bono mentoring caseload to allow for proper prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The Senior Attorney supervises junior staff to ensure programmatic efficiency and efficacy. The Senior Attorney exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills and identifies when issues must be elevated to management. 

Administrative 

The Senior Attorney ensures that all administrative aspects of their position (and of their supervisees'), attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.). 

Qualifications Required:

• JD/LLM and 3-5 years of relevant experience in immigration law. 
• Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing with a state bar. 
• Written and oral Spanish proficiency required, fluency preferred.   
• At least 1-2 years of supervision experience preferred.  
• It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).