US - Staff Attorney

Position Title: Staff Attorney 

Reports To: Wilmington Office Director 

Team: Immigration and Refugee Program  

Status: Exempt, Non-Bargaining  

Pay Grade: 8

Salary: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00

Primary Purpose: To provide legal representation to clients in accordance with the terms of CWS contracts with the funding sources. This position is responsible for case file reviews, court representation, and service provision. The position will be based out of our Wilmington, NC office.

Essential Duties:   

• Conduct intake interviews with clients; prepare clients for court appearances and/or USCIS interviews.
• Ensures adequate representation for legal caseload at USCIS and EOIR, including but not limited to: Immigration Interviews; Asylum Hearings; Master Calendar Hearings; Motions to change venue, re-calendar, terminate and suppress; and submission of briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals .
• Negotiates with USCIS officers and Supervisors at local District Office or Service Centers to rectify problems faced by clients. 
• Conducts legal research to support filed immigration applications. Drafts supplemental statements, rebuttals to Notices of Intent to Deny and Requests for Evidence; prepares and files immigration applications and motions; prepares other ancillary immigration papers, including Freedom of Information Act requests. 
• Supports the provision of core services including legal screenings and Know Your Rights. 
• Assists the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director in meeting program requirements including tracking data, preparing reports, and writing grant renewals. 
• Develops and coordinates pro bono attorney project for the Legal Services program. 
• Properly manages client appointments and professional duties to ensure thorough and professional representation of client interests. 
• Conduct weekly file review to ensure that all case files are maintained appropriately as pertains to professional service delivery.
• Provides guidance in local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrants, refugees, entrants and asylum seekers.  
• Provides legal and programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of CWS. 
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position. 
• Undertakes other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:  

Education and Experience: The applicant must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction (North Carolina Bar strongly preferred). Experience in immigration law required. Experience with refugees, asylum representation, and working with vulnerable populations preferred. 

Other Skills:  Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a fast-paced work environment. Membership in the NC Bar preferred.  Driver’s license in good standing required as well as personal vehicle for frequent, reimbursable local travel.  

Competencies: 

Communication 

1. Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence a broad range of information relating to program or department. 
2. Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally. 
3. Speak publicly with defined constituencies regarding specific assigned topics. 
4. Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them. 
5. Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders. 

Constituent Relations 

1. Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, plan and implement services and coordinate activities. 
2. Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships and flesh out details of those relationships within the context of CWS’s mission and values. 
3. Coordinate specific program activities with counterparts and include them in planning. 
4. Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective stakeholder relationships. 

Job Knowledge 

1. Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. 
2. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals. 
3. Understand how to work multiculturally with sensitivity and integrity. 
4. Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently. 
5. Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. 
6. Uses technology in varied, creative ways to support individual and program performance. 
7. Identify learning opportunities for self and others and take/ recommend action. 
8. Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight. 
9. Understand general business practices that support individual and program performance. 

Leadership 

1. Take responsibility for performance of own job duties. 
2. Model behaviors that are consonant with the mission and values of CWS in work activities and relationships. 
3. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. 
4. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. 
5. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. 
6. Take initiative within area of responsibility. 
7. Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others. 
8. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan. 

Problem Solving 

1. Recognize routine problems, gather data and work through them thoroughly and effectively. 
2. Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems. 
3. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. 
4. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. 
5. Share results of problem-solving experiences with others. 
6. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities. 

Program Planning and Management 

1. Anticipate workflow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities.  
2. Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS’s work. 
3. Identify the resources and assistance needed to complete work assignments and make sure they are on hand. 
4. Complete routine assignments on time, making sure finished products are accurate and of expected quality. 
5. Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities. 
6. Keep others informed of work progress and any problems encountered. 
7. Take initiative and complete independent work projects. 
8. Understand organizational priorities and respect time sensitivity of work performance. 
9. Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence. 

Resource Building and Stewardship 

1. Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. 
2. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. 
3. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. 
4. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS. 
5. Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers. 

Teamwork 

1. Understand what a team is and what it does. 
2. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. 
3. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. 
4. Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work. 
5. Accepts accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time. 
6. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. 
7. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. 
8. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. 
9. Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks. 

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan (Company paying 5%)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Days (12 per year accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits

CWS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status