Staff Attorney, Unaccompanied Children’s Program

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied alien children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

At IINE, our people are united by a shared belief in the dignity, resilience, and potential of every individual. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and every employee can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

A dynamic and forward-looking non-profit, IINE seeks mission-driven, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving refugees and immigrants.

Overview

The International Institute of New England (IINE) is searching for a Staff Attorney to provide immigration legal services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) currently in the care of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including Know Your Rights presentations, legal screenings, legal consultations, case preparation, and direct representation in immigration matters before Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The attorney shall support the delivery of high-quality, child-centered, trauma informed legal services consistent with standards set by the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

• Department: Unaccompanied Children's Program
• Reports to: Chief Program Officer
• Supervises: 1-2
• Status: Full-time; Exempt
• Job Location: MA
• Position Format: Hybrid
• Pay Rate: Starting at $88,037 per year

Responsibilities

Know Your Rights and Legal Orientation Services

• Deliver Know Your Rights presentations to unaccompanied alien children.
• Explain immigration court processes and legal rights.
• Prove age-appropriate legal information.
• Document completion of presentations.

Legal Screenings and Consultations

• Conduct individualized legal screenings.
• Assess potential immigration relief options.
• Conduct legal consultations with children.
• Explain legal options and case strategies.
• Identify urgent legal needs and protections.

Direct Representation

• Represent eligible children before EOIR and USCIS.
• Prepare and file legal motions, applications, petitions, and supporting evidence.
• Conduct legal research.
• Develop case strategies.
• Prepare children for hearings and interviews.
• Attend court hearings and immigration proceedings.
• Coordinate with sponsors, service providers, and external partners.
• Pursue all appropriate forms of relief, including asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas (JIJS), U visas, T visas, adjustment of status, family-based relief, and other applicable forms of immigration protection.

Reporting and Data Collection

• Collect and report required service delivery data.
• Support quality assurance reviews.
• Respond to information requests from program leadership.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry.

Administrative:

• Assign long and short-term projects as needed to any assigned support staff and ensure all team members are fully trained and working efficiently.
• Maintain and update immigration database with detailed client case notes and changes to contact information.
• Assist with internal IINE reporting as required.
• All other duties assigned by supervisor/manager.

Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual candidates preferred, especially fluent speakers of Spanish.
• Knowledge of immigration policies and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills – demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to act independently and in a team setting.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity; willingness to learn as much as possible about immigration law and to contribute to the smooth operation of the program.
• A strong sense of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Effective communicator; should be comfortable working as part of a team and expressing innovative or critical ideas.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with CRMs (E-Immigration and Salesforce) or other databases, or a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong writing skills (writing sample required).
• Professional and/or volunteer experience working directly with marginalized populations.

Education and Experience:

• J.D. or LLM from an ABA accredited law school or international equivalent.
• A current bar membership in good standing in the United States. We are looking for candidates with licenses in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in immigration law assisting clients with a range of immigration relief.
• Prior experience working with children and/or youth.

Work Environment Conditions:

• Frequent interruptions from employees and clients- must have ability to multi-task.
• Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment.
• Frequent trips to mail room and/or Post Office required.
• Must have access to a car and auto insurance. Position requires travel to different locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Physical Demands:

• Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of 50 pounds.
• Occasional driving to IINE’s three offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester.

Background Clearance and Suitability Requirements:

• This is a federally funded program. Successful candidates will need to undergo background checks mandated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.