Bilingual Staff Attorney - Citizenship & Naturalization Unit: Championing Immigrant Rights in Washington State

Join the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: Empowering Immigrants through Legal Advocacy

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), a pioneering organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of immigrants since 1984, is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Bilingual Staff Attorney to join its dynamic Citizenship & Naturalization Unit. As a Staff Attorney, you will play a pivotal role in providing legal representation, community outreach, and education to immigrant community members across Washington State, primarily focusing on citizenship and naturalization cases.

About NWIRP and the Citizenship & Naturalization Unit

NWIRP is a nationally recognized legal services organization that provides direct legal representation and assistance in immigration matters to thousands of low-income individuals from over 150 countries, speaking more than 60 different languages. The organization's impact is felt nationwide through its high-impact lawsuits, advocacy for immigrant-friendly laws and policies, and trusted provision of immigration-related community education. The Citizenship & Naturalization Unit, where you will be based, specializes in assisting immigrants and refugees, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, in obtaining citizenship. This includes seeking disability waivers, representing individuals with complex legal histories, and handling various naturalization and citizenship-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct representation to clients in affirmative naturalization applications with USCIS, including attending interviews and appeal hearings.
• Represent clients referred from USCIS to Immigration Court in removal proceedings and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
• Conduct in-depth analysis on complex legal issues affecting naturalization cases, including the implications of criminal arrests and convictions.
• Perform intakes, interviews, and gather information from clients through various means.
• Retrieve private and public records, including immigration, criminal, and personal documents.
• Participate in NWIRP's outreach, community education, and development efforts, collaborating with community partners and providing support to other staff members.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of evolving immigration laws, policies, and trends, particularly as they impact low-income immigrants and those affected by the criminal justice system.
• Establish, organize, and maintain client files, ensuring document control, tracking, and accuracy.
• Translate documents, review, and edit them for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting, such as timekeeping and tracking trainings.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisory staff, adapting to NWIRP's evolving needs.

Essential and Preferred Qualifications

To excel in this role, you must be fluent in English and another language, bringing a critical skillset to NWIRP's diverse client base. A minimum two-year commitment to the position is preferred, demonstrating a long-term dedication to the mission and the community served.

Essential Qualifications:

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Washington State Bar Association.
• Experience in immigration law, particularly in citizenship and naturalization matters.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A valid driver's license, as some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with immigrant communities, especially those with limited English proficiency.
• Familiarity with the challenges faced by low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Experience in community outreach and education.
• A background in or understanding of the social services and legal framework relevant to NWIRP's clientele.

Skills and Competencies for Success

To thrive as a Staff Attorney at NWIRP, you will need:

• Exceptional legal research and writing skills.
• The ability to navigate complex legal issues with precision and empathy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to work with diverse populations.
• A commitment to NWIRP's mission and values, embracing its commitment to inclusivity, equity, and representation.
• Proficiency in managing multiple cases and priorities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

Joining NWIRP as a Staff Attorney offers a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and development. You will be part of a vibrant team that is passionate about immigrant rights and committed to ongoing learning and advocacy. NWIRP provides:

• Opportunities for paid professional development, enhancing your skills and knowledge in immigration law and related areas.
• A collaborative work environment where you can share insights and learn from colleagues.
• Exposure to a wide range of immigration cases and legal challenges, broadening your expertise.
• A chance to contribute to high-impact litigation and advocacy efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of immigrants.

Work Environment and Company Culture

NWIRP is committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves. As a Staff Attorney, you will be part of a team that values:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to ensure that all members of the NWIRP community can thrive.
• A culture of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Collaboration and teamwork, recognizing that together, we can achieve more.
• Professional development and well-being, supporting staff in their career goals and personal health.

While this is a primarily remote position, some in-office work is expected, at least two full days per week, allowing for a balance between flexibility and collaboration.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

NWIRP offers a competitive compensation package, with a beginning annual salary for a licensed attorney with no prior experience starting at $80,771.93, and higher for attorneys with specific types of experience. The organization is proud to be a unionized employer, with this full-time position covered by NWIRP's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits include:

• Fully paid health, vision, and dental plans for employee-level coverage, with employer-funded HRA and HSA options.
• FSA and Dependent Care accounts.
• Automatic, employer contribution of 3% to a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Generous vacation time, paid health leave, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave after six months of employment.
• 14 paid holidays, with the ability to float 5 holidays.
• Employer-paid disability/life/AD&D coverage and long-term care insurance.
• 4 weeks of paid sabbatical after every five years of employment.
• Eligibility to earn compensatory time and opportunities for paid professional development.
• New employees may be eligible for relocation benefits, per the CBA.

NWIRP is also an eligible employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, providing a valuable benefit for those committed to public service.

Join the Movement: Apply Now

If you are a dedicated and bilingual attorney passionate about championing immigrant rights, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. By joining NWIRP, you will be part of a legacy of legal advocacy and community empowerment, contributing to a more just and equitable society for all. To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and a list of three references via our careers page by April 3, 2024, though applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

NWIRP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and language abilities.

Take the first step towards a rewarding career with NWIRP. Apply today and be part of shaping a brighter future for immigrant communities across Washington State.