Immigration Legal Services Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to Global Refuge's Director for Legal Affairs, the Immigration Legal Services Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator will support Global Refuge's immigration legal services program by building capacity to serve low-income refugees and immigrants. The Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator will help achieve program goals by ensuring clients receive high quality legal representation through pro bono programs as they seek pursue lawful permanent residency, asylum, and other related forms of humanitarian relief in the U.S.

The Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing strategy and related goals for the development and operation of Global Refuge's pro bono programs and volunteer projects, recruiting volunteer attorneys, stewarding law firm relationships, mentoring pro bono attorneys, as well as conducting screenings and intakes for potential clients. The position is a hybrid work model of both remote work as well as work in the office, which includes on site at field office and community partner locations.

The Pro Bono & Volunteer Coordinator will also provide technical assistance and training on client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal counsel and representation to clients on related immigration matters. This position is full-time, based in Baltimore, MD and hybrid.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Recruit pro bono attorneys to represent Global Refuge clients seeking lawful permanent residency, asylum, habeas corpus petitions, and related relief from removal; place cases with pro bono attorneys, and maintain professional relationships with law firm partners, the private bar, other partner organizations.
• Mentor pro bono attorneys, provide legal advice and assistance, and prepare sample forms, motions, and briefs.
• Onboard, mentor, and support new and existing pro bono attorneys, interpreters, and other volunteers; oversee case status and track case updates in Global Refuge database.
• Direct the ongoing recruitment strategies of volunteers through targeted outreach to private attorneys, corporations, law schools, the bar associations and relevant community organizations.
• Work with Global Refuge's Director of Legal Affairs and Managing Attorney to deliver substantive legal training and programs for volunteer attorneys and others; create training materials to support these professional development events.
• Manage, monitor, and track accepted cases pending pro bono placement for legal deadlines and immigration-related appointments and hearings.
• Update database with case deadlines, progress and outcomes, and maintain accurate records of pro bono attorneys and clients.
• Actively promote engagement and retention of volunteers; maintain current list of volunteers in the Global Refuge database.
• Manage monthly newsletter that is shared with volunteer attorneys.
• Assist with community outreach and education, group presentations and workshops; and represents the program at community and professional functions and meetings, as requested.
• Maintain accurate data entry and record-keeping for grant-funded projects. Generate metrics and reports for the Director for Legal Affairs around volunteer programs and pro bono attorneys recruited for grant reports and proposals.
• Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings; network and build relationships with like-minded organizations.

Qualifications

• Law degree from a U.S. accredited law school, and active law license required
• At least 3-5 years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts and BIA strongly preferred
• Experience managing pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and relationships with law firm pro bono programs
• Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice
• Experience working with survivors of trauma and immigrants
• Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy and presentation skills
• Responsible, self-initiating, and focused, with proven ability to work independently and also collaboratively in a team-based decision-making environment
• Experience designing trainings and presenting to legal and non-legal audiences
• Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage caseloads, establish priorities, and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff and interns of diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
• Understanding of the law firm and pro bono culture a plus.
• Excellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, required.
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.