Staff Attorney

Provide legal representation in Children's Program cases Represent clients before Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, Arizona Juvenile Courts, and USCIS Handle challenging casework and appeals Oversee case assignments and support legal assistant workflow Conduct intake interviews and provide Know Your Rights information to detained and non-detained unaccompanied immigrant children Develop and recommend case strategies consistent with immigration law and procedure Prepare cases, draft legal papers, present evidence, and engage in negotiations Assess clients' social, economic, and psychological functioning Collaborate with Children's Program social workers and make appropriate referrals Determine appropriate services, interventions, and referrals Attend team meetings and training Remain current on immigration law and policy and the impact of criminal and civil law on immigration cases Maintain ethical standards, client confidentiality, and conflict-free representation Maintain accurate case notes and client records Prepare data reports and conduct periodic case audits Participate in and conduct training sessions on immigration procedures Provide Know Your Rights presentations and follow-up support Appear as a Friend of the Court before Immigration Court (EOIR) Liaise with children's detention shelters Develop cooperative relationships with legal, governmental, social-service, and community partners Maintain professional relationships with EOIR, Arizona Juvenile Courts, USCIS, and community organizations Communicate with the Managing Attorney about advocacy initiatives and legal training Support advocacy, outreach, development, fundraising, and special projects Perform administrative duties and other assigned legal work, including possible support for the Adult Legal Program or Advocacy Team Requirements J.D. and admission to any state bar Alternatively, law school graduates who have taken the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and achieved a score of 260-269 may apply, with commitment to pursue admission to the Arizona State Bar through the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school for ALAP eligibility UBE score of 260-269 on an exam administered after July 1, 2023, for ALAP eligibility Meet all other requirements for admission to practice law in Arizona, including a thorough background check Secure qualifying employment and commit to practice under supervision of a qualified Arizona attorney in rural Arizona or public law practice for a minimum of two years If not licensed in Arizona, commitment to waive into Arizona practice after two years of bar licensure in any jurisdiction under Arizona Rule 38(f), or apply through ALAP Commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients respectfully and empoweringly Comfortable working with people with criminal convictions or mental health issues Commitment to Florence Project's mission Effective verbal and written communication Strong legal research Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations Highly organized, innovative thinker, and able to work in high-volume settings with limited resources Excellent problem-solving, research, and analytical skills Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines Hardworking, flexible, respectful team player able to work collaboratively in a client-centered environment Ability to work independently and remain adaptable and reliable amid conflict, pressure, crisis, or changing priorities High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to pass federal and state background checks Willingness and ability to travel Valid driver's license and reliable transportation Proven computer skills and advanced understanding of basic office applications Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required License to practice in Arizona preferred Experience practicing before Arizona Juvenile Courts, Immigration Courts, or USCIS strongly preferred Prior experience working with children/teenagers, trauma survivors, or individuals with mental health issues is a plus Experience representing immigrants in removal proceedings and extensive knowledge of immigration law, including deportation defense, asylum, and criminal-immigration law issues, strongly preferred Prior advocacy work in immigrant rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights, or criminal justice, or experience working with trauma survivors, is a plus Experience with databases and data tracking such as Legal Server is a plus Ability to sit for long periods with intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, pulling, and pushing Ability to use standard office equipment Ability to lift up to ten pounds; accommodations may be available Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in immigration law and procedures, with a strong commitment to advocating for unaccompanied immigrant children. Capable of managing complex casework, conducting legal research, and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders. Highest-signal resume keywords J.D. Degree Admission To State Bar Immigration Law Expertise Fluency In Spanish Experience With Arizona Juvenile Courts ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills Legal Research Case Preparation Drafting Legal Papers Data Tracking Client Advocacy Negotiation Intake Interviews Case Audits Knowledge Of Immigration Procedures Understanding Of Criminal-Immigration Law Soft Skills Effective Communication Interpersonal Skills Organizational Skills Problem-Solving Team Collaboration Certifications & Qualifications Admission To Arizona State Bar (Preferred) Uniform Bar Examination Score (260-269) Industry Keywords Children's Program Immigration Court Board Of Immigration Appeals USCIS Indigent Immigrant Clients Trauma Survivors Human Rights Advocacy LGBTQ Rights Criminal Justice Client Confidentiality Tools & Technologies Legal Server Basic Office Applications #J-18808-Ljbffr