Job Openings
Staff attorney – Memphis, TN and Murfreesboro, TN
Advocates for Immigrant Rights is seeking fill the role of Staff Attorney in both our Memphis and Murfreesboro offices to work in our Unaccompanied Children Program.
The Staff Attorney will be part of a team focused on challenging the immigration system through direct representation in administrative and removal proceedings with USCIS and EOIR, appeals before the BIA and federal circuit appeals, with an eye towards identifying issues for litigation and advocacy efforts, primarily in service of our clients who live in the jurisdiction of the Memphis Immigration Court.
Responsibilities
Screen and conduct initial consultations with potential clients
Provide direct legal representation to client across the region, handling an active caseload before immigration agencies, including USCIS, the Memphis Immigration Court and federal courts and county courts across Tennessee
Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community members
Supervise support staff, interns, externs and volunteers
Maintain accurate case records and assist in compiling client data
Participate and collaborate in regular organizational meetings to advance strategy for legal representation, outreach, media and advocacy
Engage externally with partner organizations to advance litigation, media outreach, and advocacy
Help maintain relationships with pro bono counsel, the private bar, partner organizations, and community groups
Prepare for and present educational programs, including Know Your Rights trainings and Continuing Legal Education seminars, in small and large group settings
Support special events and fundraising activities
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Working knowledge of Spanish preferred
A J.D. degree and admission to practice law in Tennessee required
1-3 years of relevant legal experience required
Prior experience working on behalf of immigrants strongly preferred
Prior experience working with children and vulnerable populations appreciated
Excellent legal strategy, analysis, drafting, and editing skills
Excellent oral communication skills, including in both legal advocacy and broader public communication
Excellent time management skills
Ability to work with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Suite and strong computer skills
Ability to work independently and within a team
Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
A developed race and equity lens that informs your work and guides your leadership
Salary and Benefits
Salary for this full-time position is $60,000 to $65,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience, excellent benefits including health insurance coverage and generous paid time off as well as the opportunity to participate in a group 401K plan and federal loan forgiveness eligibility.
To apply, please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume with three references (name, position, phone number and email address), and a writing sample to admin@airlegal.org.
Internship/Externship
Undergraduates
We’re looking for looking for dedicated students interested in contributing meaningful work while developing professional skills in a range of topics focused on immigration law. Summer Internship applications are open now. Fall 2022 Undergraduate Internships applications are open from May 1, 2022 – September 1, 2022.
Interns will be exposed to a variety of areas with a primary focus on immigration law and process. Interns will provide clerical assistance, translate documents, and research specific questions of law and policy related to immigration and/or support our social media presence, outreach efforts, etc.
Potential interns must demonstrate a commitment to protecting immigrant rights, and have good research, writing, and interpersonal skills. Further requirements for interns include have reliable transportation to and from the office.
Law Students
An internship/externship with AIR will provide the student with practical experience in the immigration field and a more expansive understanding of how immigration laws function in relation to the criminal and civil jurisprudence of this country.
Interns/externs will have the opportunity to engage in research projects, assist in the preparation of asylum applications and other applications for immigration benefits. Interns/externs will attend immigration court with our attorneys and depending on the student’s year in law school, could have the opportunity to work in Shelby County Probate Court as a student attorney to represent clients in guardianship hearings as the predicate order for certain children to be eligible for lawful permanent residency.
Volunteer
Clerical
Help us keep our office organized by doing in-office tasks such as filing, ordering office supplies, cleaning, feeding the fish, etc.
Translation
Translation Volunteers must demonstrate a strong fluency in English and written Spanish to commit to translating legal documents.
Visitation
Someone to travel to Louisiana detention centers with our attorneys to interpret from Spanish to English (or sometimes other languages) when needed.
Board Service
We would love to expand our board and increase our skill set! As all boards, we would like to have an accountant or someone with financial know-how, as well as those who are interested in social justice, international studies, and immigration law. Please contact us if you are interested.
Let us know you’re interested!
To contact us, fill out this form or email us directly at advocates@airlegal.org.
You may also call our office at (901) 729-9560.