Managing Attorney (Phoenix & Tucson)

Job title:

Managing Attorney (Phoenix & Tucson)

Company

Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project

Job description

The Organization:
The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence, Arizona. Through our programs today, we provide services to thousands of adults, youth, and children detained in Eloy, Florence, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona on any given day. In 2001, the Florence Project implemented our Integrated Social Services Program, one of the first of its kind in this field. The Florence Project provides high quality legal and social services and supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy.

Primary Purpose of the Job:

The Advocacy Managing Attorney will supervise the work of Advocacy Team staff in close coordination with the Legal Director. Direct reports will include, but not be limited to, Advocacy Attorney(s), Legal Assistant(s), and Senior Legal Assistant(s). The Advocacy Managing Attorney will help mentor staff on legal, policy, and advocacy efforts; help move forward strategic federal court litigation efforts and other significant advocacy project aligned with our Advocacy Team strategic goals with input from Advocacy Team members, the Legal Director, and the Leadership Team; participate in media and outreach as needed; and support staff who are directly representing cases before the federal courts or immigration agency. The Advocacy Managing Attorney will also participate in recruitment, hiring, training and professional development initiatives for broader legal and social services staff as well as participate in program development and outreach activities, in conjunction with other managing attorneys, Program Managers, the Legal Director, the Deputy Director(s), and the Executive Director. This position reports to the Legal Director.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervise Advocacy Attorney(s), Legal Assistant(s), Senior Legal Assistant(s), and other advocacy staff as program needs demand. This includes overseeing and being responsible for the quality of services provided in federal court litigation, administrative complaints, and other advocacy initiatives and strategies; providing training, mentorship and review of work product for cases before the Agency and Federal Courts as well as administrative complaint systems; and identifying and leading other strategic advocacy initiatives and projects. The Advocacy Managing Attorney will work closely with the Legal Director in ensuring appropriate supervision and oversight.
• Provide direct representation to clients in a limited number of cases – before the Agency or Federal Courts – including cases posing challenging issues, innovative federal litigation, or appeals of particular importance. Direct representation may also include second chairing or supporting supervised attorneys in a wide variety of federal cases and administrative complaints. The Advocacy Managing Attorney’s case load may range depending on workflow and supervisory/administrative duties.
• Meet regularly with FIRRP teams and, in collaboration with the Legal Director, work with the Leadership Team to be aware of and develop strategies for emerging immigration issues.
• Participate in advocacy and policy meetings as needed with national NGO partners and key government stakeholders, both nationally and locally
• Identify, review, and where appropriate participate in a variety of political or advocacy efforts of importance to FIRRP and our clients, including sign on letters to national or local leaders, legislative efforts, complaints and reports, or litigation efforts. Decisions on more significant forms of litigation and advocacy may require input from Advocacy Team members, the Legal Director, and potentially Leadership or the Board Programs and Advocacy Committee.
• Help facilitate regular team meetings with Advocacy Team staff and, once-a-month, with liaisons from other FIRRP programs and teams.
• As needed, participate in program development with the Legal Director including participating in strategic planning with the Advocacy Team and Leadership in response to major new issues that emerge.
• As needed, and in collaboration with the Legal Director, Communications Manager, Director of Philanthropy, and others, participate in FIRRP media efforts, including providing interviews, developing talking points, and reviewing written communications, press statements, and op-eds.
• Supervise and maintain accurate and timely data and reports that reflect the work.
• Participate in national and local advocacy network calls, meetings, and trainings.
• Lead, coach, and develop an effective, diverse team and provide a collegial, calm, and collaborative work environment that is client-centered and ego free.
• Coach, train, mentor, and support the Advocacy Team staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance and achieve established program goals.
• Effectively communicate with team members and ensure that effective communication exists between the staff and the team, including through regular participation in team meetings, emails, and the advocacy team newsletter.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in organizational fundraising and outreach efforts as requested.
• Participates in developing and implementing special projects or presentations.
• Other administrative duties as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• J.D. and admission to any state bar, per Arizona Bar Association ethics rules. Eligible for admission to Arizona State Bar and/or District of Arizona District Court.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing immigration law, which must include experience both before the Agency (Immigration Court and BIA) as well as Federal Courts.
• Experience supervising legal staff and a demonstrated ability to inspire confidence in others and play a supportive role.
• Be a proactive and engaged supervisor without micromanaging and be a clear and thoughtful decision maker.
• Demonstrate commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way.
• Demonstrate a zealous support of the Florence Project’s mission.
• Highly organized, an innovative thinker, and a measured and thoughtful decision maker.
• Ability to develop and maintain creative and functional systems and structures to support team members’ ability to effectively provide quality services.
• Able to work in a high-volume setting with limited resources, able to balance and move forward on various strategic priorities simultaneously.
• Must be passionate about due process for all and enjoy working with people with complex and diverse criminal records and social histories.
• Strong litigation experience and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong legal research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and proven ability to work with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively verbally and in writing.
• Excellent problem solving, research and analytical skills.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated to be a hardworking, flexible, respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client centered work environment.
• Ability to work independently, be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, pressure, crisis or changing priorities.
• Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Must be able to pass federal and state background checks.
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications.

Preferred Requirements:

• Prior advocacy work in immigrant rights, human rights, LGBTQ rights, criminal justice, or experience working with trauma survivors is a plus.
• Experience with databases and data tracking (i.e., Legal Server) is a plus.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Operate in a professional office environment requires the ability to sit for long periods of time with intermittent walking, standing, bending, squatting, pulling and pushing.
• Ability to use standard office equipment such as scanners, computers, keyboards, phones, shredders, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• Requires the ability to lift-up to ten pounds – accommodation may be available.
• Travel occasionally between offices, and secondary work locations.
• Occasional time in detention facilities and immigration courts located in Florence and Eloy.
• Effective September 1, 2021, FIRRP has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy. To comply with this policy, active employees must be fully vaccinated by October 15, 2021. Employees seeking an exemption due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief should contact our Human Resources Department at

.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a full-time position. Salary is competitive for our field and geographical area. Salaries will be calculated based on relevant experience and our established comprehensive wage scale: $84,676.80 – $117,581.69 Annually DOE.

We strive to create and uphold a positive, supportive, and inclusive work environment for all staff. We offer excellent benefits, including:

• Medical plans including health, dental, vision coverage, subject to plan terms

• Short Term Disability

• Eligibility for group benefits such as voluntary life insurance, subject to applicable waiting periods

• Retirement plan, subject to plan terms

• Paid Time Off earned on a biweekly accrual basis- Twenty-five (25) Days of Vacation Time, annually

• Five (5) Days of Medical/Sick Time, annually

• One (1) Day of Personal Time, monthly

• Eight (8) Week Paid Sabbatical, after three years of employment

• Bereavement leave.

• Fifteen (15) Organization-paid holidays, all observed

• Eligible for Parental Leave which includes Twelve (13) paid weeks

• Mileage reimbursement for travel between offices and places of work.

• Relocation Assistance for out of state new hires available for some positions.

Application Process:

This is an immediate opening. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position will remain open until we receive enough qualified applicants. To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the position as well as your resume, three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Florence Project values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.

At FIRRP, we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed in our current job opportunities, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence, which is very much valued at FIRRP. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

This job announcement is for informational purposes only and is subject to change and modification without notice. This job announcement includes a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities, qualifications and requirements of the position, but does not necessarily include all the job functions of the position.

Expected salary

$84676.8 – 117581.69 per year

Location

Phoenix, AZ – Tucson, AZ

Job date

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:22:49 GMT

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