Immigration & Project END Attorney

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social, and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD, and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

• Provide direct immigration legal representation in a variety of immigration matters including representation of asylum-seekers; victims of trafficking seeking a T-visa; victims of crimes seeking a U-visa; victims of domestic violence seeking relief under VAWA; minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and those seeking other forms of immigration relief and representation in immigration matters.
• Represent and advocate for Project END clients by filing civil, consumer, bar, and UPL complaints; liaising with law enforcement; requesting and reviewing clients’ immigration files; and applying for immigration relief.
• Represent Ayuda at meetings and collaborations with other agencies.
• Assist with outreach efforts to educate organizations and consumers about immigration legal services fraud.
• Collaborate with Ayuda’s social services staff to ensure the provision of holistic services.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain work authorization throughout employment.
• Member in good standing with the DC, or able to waive into DC. Recent law graduates who sat for the July 2024 bar may also be considered.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.

Candidates who don’t feel that they meet every single qualification but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role are encouraged to consider applying! We’re eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways—not just candidates who check all the boxes.

• Bilingual skills (especially Spanish) strongly preferred. Other languages commonly spoken by Ayuda’s clients include Tagalog, French, Ixchil, other indigenous languages spoken in Central America, Portuguese, Arabic, and Amharic.
• Strong legal, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in immigration law strongly preferred, with litigation and removal defense experience a plus.
• Experience in consumer law a plus.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary for this position is $69,300 – $84,900 depending on experience.

(This range is our FY24 salary range, and we expect there to be a small increase for the start of FY25 on October 1, 2024.)

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer-paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer-paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer-paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on the first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7, and 33 days per year after 7 years of employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules
• Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TO APPLY:

Please apply with a resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.

This position is exempt from overtime purposes.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team.