New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) : Staff Attorney - Survivor of Crime Program

New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Survivor of  Crime program. 

NMILC is a social justice organization whose mission is to advance equity and justice by  empowering low-income immigrant communities through collaborative legal services, advocacy,  and education. Each year we provide direct legal representation and assistance in immigration  matters to thousands of immigrants and advocate for laws and policies that respect the rights of  immigrants. NMILC’s model focuses on establishing relationships with local, state and national  organizations and governmental institutions to expand access to legal services for historically  marginalized immigrant communities. 

Job Summary: 

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for managing a large case load of U visa, VAWA, and T visa-related cases, primarily based on domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. They will also provide economic-related legal advocacy for clients. In addition, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with victim service providers. Frequent communication with the NMILC legal team, government agency officials and immigrant and victim service organizations is required in order to ensure clients receive holistic, culturally-competent and trauma informed services.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Use trauma-informed approach to provide direct legal services to immigrant victims of  crimes to address immigration legal assistance and related economic legal and advocacy issues that arise from the victimization; 

• Represent immigrant victims of crime, with a focus on victims of domestic violence,  sexual assault and stalking, in the state of New Mexico in seeking immigration relief  before United States Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS), Immigration Court,  and the Board of Immigration Appeals; 

• Represent immigrant victims of crime in economic justice matters related to the  victimization; 

• Conduct individual consultations; 

• Complete bi-annual case audit for presentation to and review by Legal Supervisor • Maintain and further develop collaborative relationships with organizations that provide  services to culturally-specific and underserved populations, with a focus on organizations in rural areas, in order to ensure clients receive wraparound support to mitigate effects of  victimization and trauma; 

• Maintain collaborative relationships with law enforcement agencies who are tasked with  investigating crimes; 

• Serve as NMILC liaison for crime victim coalitions, task force, and other collaborations  as needed; 

• Provide telephonic screenings during weekly phone hours, on rotation with other NMILC  legal representatives; 

• Follow case management documentations protocols in compliance with best  practices/legal ethical standards and ensure programmatic compliance with grant  requirements, allocations, and reporting; 

• Maintain accurate time and attendance reports and submit reports on timely basis and  with accuracy. 

Qualifications: 

● Law degree and admission to the bar of any state in the U.S. 

● Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and willingness to support NMILC’s  mission, vision and values, which can be found at www.nmilc.org/values; 

● Prior experience litigating survivor-based forms of relief before USCIS preferred;

● Prior experience representing persons in removal proceedings preferred;

● Prior experience managing high volume case load preferred; 

● Bilingual Spanish and English; 

● Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time management skills;

● A demonstrated commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, social justice  issues, and working with survivors of crimes; 

● The ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent legal assistance to crime  survivors; 

● Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills; 

● Team player; the ability to work collaboratively with different program staff and partner  organizations to further develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and  wraparound services. 

Environment 

NMILC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome people from a diverse set of  experiences. NMILC is a progressive organization and applicants are expected to collaborate in  an inclusive and diverse environment. We are a group of highly dedicated and motivated  individuals seeking transformative change for our state and welcome anyone who is interested in  being part of our team.  

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, NMILC’s staff is largely working remotely. This position is  usually based out of our Albuquerque office. If the successful candidate is hired while NMILC’s  staff is still remote, we will work with that candidate to ensure that they have the tools,  equipment, and digital onboarding to be successfully integrated into our remote work  environment. After the Pandemic, the attorney will be expected to travel frequently to rural  partner organizations throughout New Mexico and El Paso Immigration Court.

Salary and Benefits 

Competitive non-profit salary. Excellent benefits provided, including full health insurance  coverage, dental and vision, and generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. 

To Apply 

Please submit your: a) resume; and b) cover letter describing how your lived or work experience  would make you a good fit for this role to jobs@nmilc.org. Best consideration will be given to  those who apply by January 15, 2021, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until  the position is filled. 

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