Staff Attorney

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization is committed to helping individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster, and it employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with local partners to deliver effective programs and services.

Job Overview:
The Staff Attorney position is a temporary role designed to cover planned maternity and paternity leaves within the IRC's New Jersey Refugee and Immigrant (RAI) office. This fully remote position offers flexibility with a hybrid schedule and is set to commence as soon as possible, concluding on October 30, 202

• The primary responsibilities of the Staff Attorney include assessing and reviewing pro se asylum applications, as well as managing changes of address and venue before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Immigration Court. The attorney will leverage their experience in representing clients in both affirmative and defensive asylum applications, working closely with community partners and the IRC’s Immigration Technical Unit (TU) to support IRC’s extensive legal service programs across the United States. The role emphasizes a commitment to advocacy for humanitarian immigrants and requires a proactive approach to legal support and client engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney will be responsible for conducting legal consultations with IRC clients, providing pro se services for asylum seekers, which includes assistance with asylum applications, changes of address and venue, and applications for employment authorization. The attorney will coordinate with IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify client needs and facilitate referrals to both in-house services and external partners. It is essential to ensure that client and program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately, and reported accurately in line with IRC’s program reporting requirements. The position may also involve supervising legal assistants and/or interns. The attorney must maintain current knowledge of immigration policies through independent research, regular training, and peer consultations, and serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and be a member in good standing of any state bar. Ideally, applicants should have at least one year of experience providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS for asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief. Law school graduates with clinical legal experience may also be considered. Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing. A deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants is crucial, as well as trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of immigration law and effectively representing clients in legal matters related to asylum and humanitarian relief.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of experience in providing direct representation in immigration court and/or before USCIS. This experience is vital for effectively navigating the legal landscape surrounding asylum applications and ensuring that clients receive the best possible support and representation. Candidates with clinical legal experience from law school may also be considered, indicating that practical experience in a legal setting is highly valued.

Languages:
Bilingual proficiency in one or more languages spoken by the survivor population is preferred, such as Spanish, French, or Arabic. This language capability is important for effective communication with clients and understanding their needs, enhancing the attorney's ability to provide comprehensive legal support.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary, covering maternity and paternity leaves, and is fully remote with an option for a flexible hybrid schedule. The role is expected to start as soon as possible and will conclude on October 30, 202

• The compensation for this position ranges from $77,631 to $90,771, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.