Immigration Law Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

This position is partially hybrid and will require on-site presence at least 2 full days per week to work at a confidential Seattle location, and potentially more based on the needs. 

API Chaya supports and empowers survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking to gain safety, connection, and wellness. We build power by educating and mobilizing South Asian, Asian, Pacific Islander, and all immigrant communities to end exploitation, creating a world where all people can heal and thrive. This work is done through outreach and organizing our communities to end violence and oppression, as well as through support services for survivors. We work in diverse communities, including immigrants and refugees, young people, LGBTQ, faith-based, various ethnic and cultural groups, and people with disabilities. API Chaya is committed to addressing survivor centered and community centered needs as reflected by our strategic direction and theory of change. For more information about our organization, please visit  

API Chaya is seeking an experienced Immigration Law Attorney who will provide legal consultations, case management, and limited direct representation including presence for court hearings, USCIS or ICE check ins.  The attorney will work closely with our direct services team to provide survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking with information about legal processes and options available to them through the civil and criminal legal systems.  The attorney should have extensive experience in representing clients in VAWA petitions, T Visas and U Visas.  This individual should be aligned with API Chaya’s mission, vision and values, excel at trauma informed, survivor-centered advocacy, managing competing priorities and facilitating access to services for our clients. 

Position responsibilities: (~90%)

• Legal Advocacy Services for Survivors and Families. Work in partnership with API Chaya’s survivor advocates and interns to provide culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate legal support services. Screen and provide education and assistance with navigating various legal systems, as well as clients’ rights, responsibilities and risks when they engage with these systems.  Prepare clients' petitions in collaboration with survivor advocates and finalize petitions for filing.  Work with clients to prepare them for court appearances and appear in court with clients. 
• Legal Representation for Survivors and Families. Work with program managers and advocates to triage cases where legal representation would be more critical.  Provide representation particularly for limited English proficiency (LEP) survivors, underserved and most vulnerable. Priority will be made to ensure that all clients have access to effective legal services and referrals to existing legal resources continue to be made. 
• Documentation and Reporting. Maintain up-to-date case records. Complete relevant documentation and reporting of program activities, including monthly reports and assistance with grant reporting. Attend relevant training and meetings.
• Follows Washington state Rules of Professional Conduct and API Chaya’s client confidentiality policy and other procedures.
• Maintain good standing with WA State Bar Association and maintain membership in American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Maintain up to date information regarding emergent changes in immigration law policies and procedures as it relates to family based immigration including adjustment of status, H4 derivatives,  VAWA, U and T visa applications
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors

Relationship Building & Movement Engagement (~5%)

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners in key organizations and various communities 
• Attend select local, regional and occasionally statewide and national meetings and conferences to ensure API Chaya's perspective and our constituents' needs are represented
• Attend select local, county and occasionally statewide community planning meetings with public funders to promote API Chaya and its services and report on progress and unmet needs  
• Conduct trainings, provision of technical assistance, and speaking engagements 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors

Other (~5%)

• Assist Executive Director with grants proposals
• Attend ongoing trainings to further professional development and stay up-to-date on relevant developments in field
• Liaison with local, state and national organizations and systems when necessary to advocate for trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive legal services 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors

Minimum Requirements

• Work authorization in the United States
• A license to practice law from Washington State Bar Association
• At least 3 years or more of extensive professional experience providing direct representation on Immigration law matters such as VAWA, T-visa, deportation, U-visa, visa and/or EAD renewal etc.
• Member of American Immigration Legal Association
• WA state drivers license and reliable transportation 
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate excellent organizational skills to effectively complete competing priorities and responsibilities while meeting deadlines
• Highly developed awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion, with evolved ability to practice appropriate, relevant and thoughtful strategies for working with diverse populations
• Reliable Internet connection and proficiency in using MS Outlook, Excel, Word and Zoom. (Adaptive accommodations may be available as needed.)
• Willing and able to work occasional evenings and weekends. This position requires responding in a high-demand environment with people in varying degrees of distress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in languages other than English (Many of our clients communicate in Spanish, Asian, South Asian, and/or Pacific Islander language[s])
• Experience working with interpreters and immigrants and LEP survivors of gender-based violence
• Knowledge of and a deep demonstrated commitment to working against domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, trauma, victimization and gender-based violence
• Familiarity with conditions and issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities

• Experience with survivor-centered, trauma-informed services and/or other empowerment-based models
• Experience working with law enforcement, probation, DSHS, and other government agencies 

API Chaya is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, disability, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or human trafficking encouraged to apply. 

We are located in a confidential location in Seattle, WA. Our office is wheelchair-accessible, and we aim to have a scent-free space.  We also provide interpretation and/or CART for Deaf & hard of hearing folks. We welcome employees to bring their full selves to work and strive to make our office as accessible as possible. 

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPENSATION

Salary will start  between $ 95,000 - $145,000 per year depending on experience. API Chaya uses a standardized points scale for equity in compensation. API Chaya offers generous benefits in part including robust medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement contributions, multiple weeks of leave, self care days, flexible holidays, a wellness stipend, and training funds for regular employees.

TO APPLY:

Please submit your application materials via BambooHR -  

Cover letter should include:

(1) What experience, skills, and personal characteristics qualify you for this position;

(2) Why the mission and work of API Chaya appeals to you; and

(3) Why the Immigration Law Attorney position at API Chaya is the desired next step in your career.

​Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please.