Operations Staff Attorney

Accountabilities:: Review immigration applications and legal filings: Examine draft immigration applications, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), appeals, court filings, and supporting documentation according to instructions from senior attorneys and approved legal guidance. Support case strategy and legal representation: Serve as attorney of record for assigned immigration matters using Form G-28 for applicable U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) matters or Form E-28 for immigration court proceedings. Support the implementation of approved legal strategies and obtain senior attorney direction for substantive decisions. Ensure document accuracy and completeness: Evaluate filings and supporting evidence for accuracy, consistency, completeness, and alignment with case requirements. Identify discrepancies, make necessary corrections, and verify that issues are resolved before submission. Coordinate case preparation: Work with relevant team members to request additional information, resolve documentation gaps, incorporate revisions, and ensure required attorney reviews are completed before filing. Communicate with clients: Respond to client questions about assigned cases, generally with the assistance of an interpreter. Explain procedural next steps clearly, provide appropriate updates, and document significant communications in the case record. Provide emergency hearing coverage: Attend master calendar hearings in immigration court when emergency coverage is required, with appropriate preparation and substantive guidance from senior attorneys. Manage deadlines and daily workloads: Monitor filing deadlines, hearing schedules, and assigned review tasks. Prioritize responsibilities, meet established daily productivity goals, and communicate progress or obstacles that could affect timely completion. Maintain accurate case records: Keep case files, review notes, legal decisions, and supporting documentation organized and up to date. Protect confidential client information and incorporate feedback from senior attorneys to improve the quality of future work. Escalate legal issues appropriately: Recognize non-standard legal questions, case complexities, and potential risks that fall outside approved instructions. Refer these matters to senior attorneys for guidance and approval. Uphold professional and ethical standards: Exercise sound judgment within the scope of assigned responsibilities, follow established legal procedures, and contribute to accurate, timely, and client-focused legal services. Requirements: Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law school. Bar admission: Active membership in good standing with a state bar. EOIR registration: An Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) number is preferred, or a willingness to obtain one within the first month of employment. Professional experience: Approximately 0–1 year of post-J.D. experience. Law school clinics, internships, and other relevant practical legal experience are valuable. Previous immigration law experience is not required, as training will be provided. Legal research and drafting: Foundational skills in legal research, document review, drafting, and evaluating supporting evidence, with the ability to follow detailed instructions and apply approved legal guidance accurately. Attention to detail: Strong organizational skills and the ability to identify inconsistencies, verify documentation, maintain accurate case records, and complete assigned reviews with precision. Time management: Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet daily productivity expectations, prioritize deadlines, and communicate potential delays or obstacles promptly. Client communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain procedural information clearly, respond professionally to client questions, and work effectively with interpreters when needed. Judgment and accountability: Willingness to work under close senior attorney supervision, recognize the limits of assigned authority, seek clarification when necessary, and escalate complex or non-standard legal issues appropriately. Confidentiality and professionalism: Commitment to protecting sensitive client information, maintaining professional standards, and handling legal records responsibly. Interest in immigration law: A genuine interest in immigration legal services and a commitment to helping individuals and families navigate the immigration system and remain together. Collaboration and adaptability: A team-oriented mindset, openness to feedback, eagerness to learn, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced legal environment. Benefits: Competitive annual salary: $65,000–$69,750 USD, depending on qualifications, experience, and work location. Actual compensation may vary based on individual circumstances. Retirement savings: A 401(k) plan with employer matching. Medical coverage: Medical insurance options to support employee health and well-being. Dental and vision insurance: Coverage options to help manage routine and specialized care needs. Healthcare spending options: Access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), depending on plan eligibility. Dependent care support: A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to help manage eligible dependent care expenses. Life insurance: Basic life insurance coverage, with additional voluntary life insurance options. Disability protection: Disability insurance to provide financial protection in the event of a qualifying disability. Additional insurance options: Voluntary accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), accident insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance. Employee assistance: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support and resources. Well-being benefits: A Calm app subscription to support mindfulness, relaxation, and mental well-being. Professional development: Training, guidance from senior attorneys, and opportunities to strengthen legal research, drafting, case management, and immigration law skills. Collaborative work environment: Join a supportive team that values learning, advocacy, efficiency, accountability, and high-quality client service. Meaningful impact: Contribute to legal services that help individuals and families pursue immigration relief, navigate complex processes, and work toward greater stability.