Attorney/ Advocate

Attorney

REPORTS TO: Lead Attorney

9 paid holidays with year-end holiday breakMedical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and paid FMLAEmployee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities)Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (includes life event referral program, 5 free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and employee discount/savings program)Yearly stipends for employee development opportunitiesRelocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursementORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION

We are Nebraska and Southwest Iowa's leading immigration legal services provider and refugee resettlement agency, built on the foundation that every person - regardless of their country of origin or immigration background - deserves dignity, belonging, and opportunity.

Through high-quality legal representation, resettlement services, social work, education, and advocacy, we meet the complex and evolving needs of our immigrant and refugee communities.Our expert team supports complex needs with one shared goal: empowering our clients to forge better lives, resulting in stronger communities for all of us.

Each Attorney is an integral part of CIRA’s Legal Department. and (3) education and advocacy.

Direct RepresentationWork with and maintain collaborative communication with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff who contribute to serving clients who may qualify for family-based immigration reliefWork directly with clients and U.S. consulates abroad to support consular processing, including coordinating documentation, facilitating communication, and helping clients navigate procedural requirements through case completion.Represent adult and child clients before Nebraska County and District Courts, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Omaha Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Immigration and Customs EnforcementManage a caseload of family-based immigration cases, including other case types for which those clients may also applyRepresent clients in western Nebraska County and District Courts in seeking predicate orders that may provide access to Special Immigrant Juvenile statusContribute to targeted legal service delivery (such as relief-specific legal clinics) to represent particularly vulnerable populations in seeking specific forms of immigration reliefMaintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and on CIRA’s case management software, including but not limited to logging all new activities, filing receipts, correspondence, and filings in the case file, tracking reminders and deadlines, meeting those deadlines, etc., as described in detail in CIRA’s Legal Procedures ManualEffectively and efficiently track open and closed cases using CIRA’s case management software

Client Communication Maintain regular contact with clients and promptly return calls in accordance with the Legal Procedures ManualKeep clients aware of the status of their caseInform clients of the risks and benefits of applying for immigration reliefMaintain an accurate record of every client communication within CIRA’s case management system

Education and AdvocacyContribute to outreach and education programs related to family-based immigration benefits and advocate for the rights of noncitizens under U.S. lawEngage in community education and advocacy to promote an accurate understanding of immigration law and policy and to advocate for changes that will positively benefit humanitarian and family-based immigrants

QUALIFICATIONSMust have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law in the United StatesLicensed to practice law in Nebraska or able to obtain a license to practice law in NebraskaA minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience practicing immigration law in the United States preferredKnowledge of immigration and nationality law or Nebraska family or juvenile law is requiredFluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not requiredExceptional legal research and writing ability and impeccable organizational skillsAbility to manage confidential documents and communications in a professional mannerStrong interpersonal communication and people skillsCommitment to CIRA’s mission and values in serving immigrants, refugees, and newcomers, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest lawDeep understanding of and ability to work sensitively and well with people of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender identities, and socioeconomic backgroundsFluency in using Office 365 applications (ex. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and the ability to learn new data management softwareExhibits responsibility through consistent attendance, effective time management, dependability, self-discipline, flexibility, and working independentlyAbility to work in a team and handle multiple tasks in an organized and timely mannerImpeccable integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directedAbility to think strategically, problem-solve, exercise good judgment, and lead changeOpenly supports departmental and organizational changes and demonstrates comfort working in a rapidly growing and evolving organizationAbility to take initiative and make difficult decisions when necessaryAbility to pass all required background checksMust be authorized to work in the United States

WORKING CONDITIONSThis job consists of regularly sitting at a desk and using a computer and phone.Workdays pertain to a Monday – Friday schedule, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility required.

TO APPLYPlease upload a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.