Staff Attorney

• Provide direct legal representation to clients in affirmative immigration matters, removal proceedings, and related matters before

  USCIS

  , immigration courts, state courts, and administrative agencies
• Conduct legal research; develop case strategies; interview clients; prepare and file applications, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents
• Appear in court and agency proceedings
• Represent detained and non‑detained individuals in removal proceedings before the immigration court
• Place appropriate cases with contract and pro bono counsel
• Provide ongoing mentorship, training, and technical assistance as needed
• Develop, implement, and regularly staff in‑person legal clinics serving immigrants in Southern New Mexico
• Build and maintain relationships with legal and immigrant‑service providers, government officials, bar associations, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations
• Support legal training, outreach, and advocacy initiatives, including contributing subject‑matter expertise to training materials
• Participate in shared operations of NMILC’s Las Cruces office, including office coverage, greeting visitors and walk‑ins, mail handling, administrative support, staff meetings, and office events
• Work regularly in person at the Las Cruces office according to operational, staffing, and program needs
• Maintain accurate and complete case‑management data through case audits, timely data entry, and proficient use of case‑management systems
• Keep the supervisor informed of program developments, administrative needs, service‑delivery gaps, challenges, and opportunities
• Identify legal advocacy and client‑service needs with NMILC staff and community partners
• Represent NMILC at stakeholder meetings, trainings, conferences, community events, and outreach activities
• Travel throughout Southern New Mexico and the El Paso area for clinics, meetings, trainings, and events; occasional overnight travel may be required

Requirements Juris Doctor from an accredited law school Admitted to local state bar; if not admitted, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment Proficient in Spanish Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and work‑home life balance Experience working and communicating in a remote or hybrid work environment Ability to provide trauma‑informed and culturally competent legal assistance to crime victims/survivors Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills Ability to collaborate with program staff and partner organizations to develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and wraparound services Valid driver's license or reliable transportation to attend in‑person meetings, court hearings, and required events Ability to reliably report to NMILC’s Las Cruces office regularly for office coverage, client services, and operational responsibilities Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in providing legal representation in immigration matters, including case strategy development, legal research, and client advocacy. Proficient in Spanish and committed to trauma‑informed, culturally competent legal assistance while fostering community relationships. Hard Skills Legal Representation Case Strategy Development Legal Research Legal Writing Case Management Client Interviewing Application Preparation Pleading Preparation Court Appearance Data Entry Soft Skills Collaboration Multitasking Cultural Competence Communication Adaptability Certifications & Qualifications Juris Doctor Valid Driver’s License Industry Keywords Immigration Law USCIS Removal Proceedings Pro Bono Counsel Legal Clinics Community Outreach Stakeholder Engagement Advocacy Initiatives Tools & Technologies Case Management Systems #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobtailor