Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

The Law Office of Melissa Anderson, PLLC
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Position: Full-time Associate Attorney
Compensation: Salary based on experience

About Our Firm

The Law Office of Melissa Anderson, PLLC is a small, community-focused law firm serving individuals and families throughout Middle Tennessee. Immigration law makes up a significant portion of our practice. We also represent clients in family court, particularly in guardianship, custody, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status matters, as well as in select criminal cases.

We maintain a relaxed and supportive office environment while taking our responsibilities to our clients seriously. We are looking for a dependable and compassionate attorney who is interested in joining a smaller firm, developing professionally, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

Prior immigration experience is welcomed but not required. This position is a great opportunity for an attorney who is willing to learn, conduct thorough legal research, and grow into new areas of practice. Newly licensed attorneys and attorneys seeking to build practical courtroom and case-management experience are encouraged to apply.

Position Overview

The Associate Attorney will manage a varied caseload involving immigration, family, and criminal matters. Because our firm handles a large number of immigration cases, the attorney should be comfortable learning and working within immigration law. However, a significant part of the associate’s responsibilities will involve appearances in Tennessee family courts, including guardianship and custody proceedings connected to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases.

The associate may also handle misdemeanor and select felony criminal matters as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

• Representing clients in immigration removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
• Preparing and presenting applications and petitions before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, VAWA, T and U nonimmigrant status, family-based petitions, naturalization, and other forms of immigration relief.
• Representing clients in Tennessee family courts in guardianship, custody, and related proceedings, including matters involving predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
• Representing clients in misdemeanor and select felony criminal matters as assigned.
• Managing all stages of a client’s case, including intake, client counseling, investigation, legal research, case preparation, court appearances, and follow-up.
• Drafting motions, briefs, proposed orders, personal declarations, and other legal documents.
• Reviewing immigration forms and supporting evidence prepared for filing.
• Maintaining regular and professional communication with clients, courts, government agencies, opposing counsel, and other parties.
• Monitoring deadlines and independently managing an active caseload.
• Providing legal information and counseling to clients and their families.
• Connecting clients with appropriate community resources when necessary.
• Assisting with the supervision and training of legal assistants and support staff.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active and unrestricted license to practice law in Tennessee.
• Immigration, family, juvenile, dependency, guardianship, or criminal law experience is preferred but not required.
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar areas of law and independently conduct careful legal research.
• Ability to appear regularly in immigration court, family court, and criminal court.
• Strong writing, legal research, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and meet court and agency deadlines.
• Compassion and cultural sensitivity when working with immigrants, survivors of abuse, children, and families experiencing difficult circumstances.
• Dependability, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn online case-management and filing systems.
• Experience with Clio or similar case-management software is a plus.
• Spanish-language ability is helpful but not required.

What We Offer

This position provides an opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience in immigration, family, and criminal law.
• Develop courtroom experience and manage cases from intake through resolution.
• Learn immigration law even if it has not previously been part of your practice.
• Work in a small, collaborative, and relaxed office environment.
• Build a long-term position while serving individuals and families who may otherwise have limited access to legal assistance.

We understand that no applicant will arrive knowing every area of law handled by the firm. We value good judgment, reliability, compassion, initiative, and a sincere willingness to learn.

Applicants should apply only if they have a genuine interest in the position and are prepared to communicate promptly and professionally throughout the interview and hiring process.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Relocate:

• Nashville, TN 37217: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person