Interim Staff Attorney At Kids in Need of Defense

About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Since 2008, KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Summary:

KIND seeks an Interim Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to unaccompanied children in a detained setting who are facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise fellows, senior paralegals, paralegals, other non-attorney staff, and/or interns.

This position is remote with an anticipated duration of 6 months and can be based in any of the following KIND registered states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia or Washington.

Essential Functions:

• Undertake direct representation of detained children in immigration removal proceedings and continue representation once children are released or transferred to another ORR or adult facility locally, as needed.
• Monitor daily arrivals, transfers, and discharges of immigrant children housed in ORR facilities in relevant jurisdiction(s).
• Oversee the timely and high-quality provision of legal orientation presentations and intakes of children upon arrival at ORR shelters.
• Liaise with shelter staff and other stakeholders as needed to maximize efficient and effective services to detained children.
• Review intakes by detained team and make determination regarding eligibility for immigration relief.
• Oversee or conduct drafting of eligibility letters for children to be transferred outside of relevant jurisdiction(s) for long term foster care determinations.
• Oversee or conduct assembly of court packages as needed, dependent on Immigration Court practices in local jurisdiction.
• Oversee or conduct completion of program reports, as needed, for partners and other stakeholders.
• Maintain ORR and other stakeholder relations.
• Oversee data management, ensuring data integrity through regular case audits and technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems.
• Provide training and mentoring to pro bono attorneys, and assist with development of resources, local training curriculum, sample filings, and guidance packets.
• Contribute to overall office functioning, including joining field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, participating in field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events.
• Represent KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies.
• Supervise interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including:
• Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• J.D. and admitted to local state bar.
• 1-3 years of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas.
• 1-3 years of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers if majority of caseload is working directly with pro bono attorneys.
• Advanced fluency in Spanish language.
• Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.