Staff AttorneyClinic Legal Assistance Manager

$69,551 - $80,768/Yr

Make The Road New Jersey - Elizabeth, NJ

Full-time - Senior

Hybrid - Elizabeth, NJ

About the position

The Staff Attorney/Clinic Legal Assistance Manager at Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) is responsible for providing legal representation in immigration matters and managing legal assistance clinics. This role involves supporting active campaigns, coordinating legal services, and ensuring compliance with grant deliverables. The position requires a commitment to social justice and community lawyering, with a focus on serving immigrant and working-class communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized assistance to clients in removal proceedings or eligible for immigration relief.
• Manage a caseload as determined by department and annual goals.
• Maintain client files and case information in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct immigration consultations and provide legal advice and referrals.
• Translate documents and secure interpretation assistance as necessary.
• Work with MRNJ's Social Worker to meet clients' social service needs.
• Coordinate and oversee immigration legal assistance clinics to fulfill grant deliverables.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for legal assistance clinics.
• Assist with data and grant management associated with immigration clinic legal services.
• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
• Provide policy support and legal advice to MRNJ's community organizing campaigns.
• Participate in team and department meetings and contribute to grant applications and reports.
• Engage in ongoing continuing legal education and training related to immigration law.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in the US.
• Fully vaccinated with an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• At least 2 years of immigration legal practice experience, including clinic and/or legal internships.
• Membership in good standing with the bar of New Jersey or commitment to take the next scheduled Bar exam for New Jersey.
• J.D. or L.L.M. from an accredited university.
• Proficiency in Spanish, with fluency preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and community lawyering.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with populations that make up major portions of Make the Road's membership, such as documented and undocumented immigrants.
• Interest in supporting community organizing, campaigns, and policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Desire to work collaboratively.
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Generous paid vacation
• Sick days
• Personal days