Immigration Legal Services Managing Attorney

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you

Reporting to the Director for Legal Affairs, the Immigration Legal Services Managing Attorney will work to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence as we build the capacity to provide high-quality, trauma-informed immigration legal services to low-income clients. The Managing Attorney is responsible for supervising legal staff, which serves low-income, multiethnic immigrants, refugees, and people seeking protection in the United States. The Managing Attorney will also manage a small caseload of clients before USCIS and, potentially, the Immigration Courts/Board of Immigration Appeals.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as Government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Works with the Director of Legal Affairs in developing departmental policies and procedures.
• Oversees legal strategy, supervises, and supports attorneys and legal assistants, ensuring adherence to practice procedures.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and training new legal staff, and assist with building legal services capacity through the DOJ recognition and accreditation program.
• Employ adaptive management techniques to provide regular individual supervision and support; mentor staff to set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, help troubleshoot challenges, and maintain appropriate professional development plans.
• Create, maintain, and monitor systems that ensure programmatic and legal compliance.
• Provide direct legal representation for a small caseload of clients before USCIS, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including attending immigration interviews, immigration court hearings, and other appointments, as necessary and associated with applications for temporary protection and work authorization, family reunification, asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, and other cases as determined in consultation with the supervisor.
• Provide training and technical support to Global Refuge and network partner staff on various immigration topics including documentation, asylum, family-based petitions and visas, work authorization, adjustment of status, hardship waivers, and other legal needs, as needed.
• Research, design, and develop resource materials on immigration law and policy, program management and legal services delivery models, and ethical practice of law for various audiences.
• Develop outreach strategies and coordinate outreach efforts to network partners and refugee and immigrant communities and conduct assessments to ensure program services are aligned with community needs.
• Cultivate relationships with legal services providers, organizations, and local partners to organize and hold legal workshops to provide legal services for clients seeking assistance with certain immigration applications including parole, Temporary Protected Status, asylum, adjustment of status, and work authorization.
• Lead efforts to host periodic information sessions/workshops for eligible clients.
• Assist with the annual budget development process for the department and help monitor financial and program performance.
• Work with the Director for Legal Affairs and the Global Refuge Development team to assist with developing funding proposals for submission to government and private foundations.
• Maintain accurate data entry and record-keeping for grant-funded projects.
• Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings and working groups; network and build relationships within professional associations to garner support for pro bono projects.
• Perform legal research on AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other related primary and secondary sources of immigration law and regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of U.S. immigration law, policy, and practices and maintain bar membership through continuing legal education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school, is required, and admission to practice law in any state.
• 5-7 years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts, and BIA, including a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice, including demonstrated understanding of US immigration law and procedure in humanitarian-based immigration relief and removal proceedings.
• Familiarity with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and immigration procedures associated with immigrants and refugees.
• Experience working with survivors of trauma and immigrants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy, and presentation skills.
• Experience designing training and presenting to legal and non-legal audiences.
• Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage a complex caseload, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff, and interns of diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to learning and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication skills in both verbal and written English, fluency in an additional language is a significant plus.
• Understanding legal practice and pro bono culture is a plus.
• Computer proficiency including excellent MS Office Suite skills, particularly in Word and Excel, is required.
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

The role is funded through September 30, 2025.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.