Bilingual Staff Attorney (Wenatchee, WA)

at  Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

SUMMARY:

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) seeks a full-time bilingual attorney to join NWIRP’s office in Wenatchee. Applicants must be fluent in English and a second language (Spanish language is preferred). Additional languages are encouraged. A minimum two-year commitment to the position is expected.
As a staff attorney, you will provide direct representation, individual consultations, and community outreach and education to immigrant community members seeking immigration protections before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the immigration courts. The staff attorney may also be assigned work relating to other immigration matters, including cases of people in immigration detention.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law degree;
• Admission to the bar of any state in the U.S. or be signed up for the February 2025 bar exam of any state;
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and defending the rights of immigrants and willingness to support NWIRP’s mission, vision and values;
• Oral and written fluency in English and a second language (Spanish language is preferred) (additional languages are encouraged);
• Excellent written and oral communication, and presentation skills, and the ability to present information clearly and concisely (verbally and in writing);
• Commitment to working with a diverse community and in a challenging working environment;
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and professional inclusive environment for staff and clients;
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation;
• Prior experience representing immigrant survivors of trafficking before USCIS, the Department of State, and the Immigration Court is strongly preferred;
• Prior experience working with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault is preferred;
• Ability to work independently (with competing deadlines) as well as in a team environment;
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to take on a substantive caseload;
• Proficiency in use of web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, and web peer-to-peer communication platforms. Familiarity with G-suite toools like Google Docs, Google Sheets and Gmail.
• The applicant must have a valid driver’s license as the position involves some travel.
  Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear; utilize a phone, computer, keyboard, pen and paper. Occasional work on evening and weekend hours. Travel may be required. Travel reimbursements apply.
  Emotional demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to discuss topics including, but not limited, to discrimination; child abuse, neglect, abandonment; sexual assault; domestic abuse; violence, and psychological trauma.
  Under NWIRP’s current COVID policies, new staff members must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (unless eligible for an exemption). Staff may choose to wear a face mask in the workplace, but it is not currently required. At the time of this posting, NWIRP staff is operating in a hybrid model, and some in-office work will be expected of this position (at least two full days per week).

All NWIRP staff attorneys are expected to:

• Provide direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or before the federal courts, and before the Department of Homeland Security;
• Provide direct representation to persons submitting affirmative applications with USCIS and the Department of State;
• Conduct intakes, by phone and in person, and interview clients to gather or clarify information;
• Conduct case analysis to determine eligibility for immigration protections/status under the immigration laws;
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant policies, laws, practices, and trends in immigration law, particularly as it impacts low-income immigrants and those impacted by the criminal justice system;
• Establish, organize, and maintain up-to-date files;
• Perform administrative tasks related to grant reporting such as timekeeping, submitting timesheets, tracking training, and other duties in a timely manner;
• Participate in NWIRP’s outreach, community education, and development efforts; and
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon NWIRP’s needs.