Program Statement: MRS resettles approximately 450 refugees annually from countries including Bhutan, Burma, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. We respect the dignity of each person and provide a supportive environment where each individual and culture is celebrated. Building upon the courage and strength of these newcomers, we seek to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.
What you will be doing:
- Represent clients in family-based and humanitarian immigration legal matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. State Department, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
- Advocate for clients facing a variety of challenges, including limited English proficiency, victims of torture, trauma, and abuse, individuals with mental health diagnoses, and immigrant children in removal proceedings.
- Prepare and file applications for immigration benefits, including family petitions, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U visas, T visas, and VAWA self-petitions.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and records in accordance with organizational standards.
- Conduct thorough client interviews, prepare declarations, and gather necessary evidence to support clients' cases.
- Provide legal consultations to clients, offering advice on their immigration options and rights under U.S. immigration law.
- Collaborate with community organizations, social service providers, and mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
- Conduct legal research and stay updated on the latest immigration law developments, regulations, and policies to provide effective representation.
- Participate in outreach efforts, including educational presentations and workshops for immigrant communities and partner organizations.
- Work closely with ILS paralegals and administrative staff to maintain accurate and organized case files and ensure timely communication with clients.
- Supervise and mentor volunteer attorneys, law students, and paralegals assisting with case preparation and client intake.
Requirements:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction (Ohio Bar admission preferred or willingness to obtain).
- For candidates with less than 2 years of immigration law experience, submission of law school transcripts and class standing is required.
- 0–2 years of experience in immigration law or related legal practice.
- Cover Letter and Resume required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to social justice, immigrant rights, and working with underserved communities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by immigrant communities is preferred.
Preferred
- 2 year(s): 0-2 years of experience in immigration law , including providing direct representation in matters such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), family-based petitions, naturalization, and deportation defense. Familiarity with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes, immigration court procedures, and filing petitions before EOIR is preferred. Candidates with less than 2 years of experience must submit law school transcripts and class standing.
Preferred
- Doctorate or better in Law
Preferred
Preferred
- Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Preferred
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
- Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
