Staff Attorney

Overview

Luminus Network for New Americans is a non-profit organization located in Columbia, Maryland. For over 40 years, Luminus has provided holistic services for new Americans including immigration legal services, employment services, translation and interpretation, and social services. By providing culturally appropriate services in multiple languages, we are able to develop high quality and necessary programs with and for this underserved population. Our mission is to support new Americans to become self-sufficient and contributing members of local economic development. 

Position Description

Luminus Network for New Americans is a Departmentof Justice (DOJ) recognized non-profit that empowers immigrants and refugees by providing legal and social services that ensure safety, protection, and agency in the United States. The Staff Attorney is responsible for direct management of a portfolio of cases that includes representation of cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The Staff Attorney contributes to Luminus’ growing legal unit, which includes supporting the strategic direction as established by the Director of Legal Services and devoting the majority of his/her time to providing direct legal services to clients. In that role, s/he seeks successful outcomes for clients and measures and reports outcomes to the organization. 

The services s/he may provide include, but are not limited to, providing general consultation, completing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) forms and any other related forms on behalf of the client, and representing clients before DHS. Responsibilities include detailed intake, client screening, client counseling, referrals to other professionals when appropriate, case preparation and filing, and full case management until case completion. 

The Staff Attorney will maintain outstanding client relations, have a strong working knowledge of immigration laws and related issues, periodically educate the local community about immigration-related matters and Luminus’ services, and consult with the Director of Legal Services and Immigration Counselors as needed. Additionally, this individual will maintain an excellent working relationship with Luminus’ entire staff, collaborating with staff outside the legal team as needed to provide holistic support to Luminus’ clientele. This position will also serve to further Luminus’ reach into nearby counties. 

Responsibilities

 Essential duties include (approx. 60%): 

  • Screening individuals for relief and determining client eligibility or ineligibility for immigration benefits, and counseling accordingly. 
  • Offering case representation when appropriate in accordance with the mission and priorities of the organization. Providing appropriate referrals when case representation is not possible. 
  • Providing internal referrals to clients who present needs not related to immigration legal services. 
  • Effectively representing and advocating for clients before USCIS, EOIR, the BIA, and ICE with respect to Naturalization, Family Petitions, Adjustments of Status, Consular Processing, DACA, U-Visas, T-Visas, Affirmative and Defensive Asylum applications, Stays of Removal and any other immigration service available that supports the mission of Luminus.
  • Representing clients in Immigration Court removal hearings and USCIS interviews. 
  • Preparing and submitting applications to USCIS, the Immigration Court, the BIA, ICE. 
  • Maintaining proper client files, including documentary evidence required to prove eligibility for legal benefits; continually updating client case notes and tracking case outcomes in Luminus’ database.
  • Preparing all necessary motions for deportation cases whenever applicable. 
  • Following-up when necessary to ensure service delivery. 
  • Following-up on cases and updating clients in a timely manner. 
  • Compiling reports as directed by the Director of Legal Services. 
  • Maintaining all required certifications and/or licenses. 
  • Attending information and training sessions to remain up to date on current immigration law. 
  • Networking and building relationships with other community-based legal service providers in the area to support Luminus’ advocacy efforts. 
  • Handling administrative duties such as initial intake, copying, mailing, filing, and data reporting, which cannot be completed by the front office staff. 
  • Participating in community outreach activities and meetings to promote services and immigration benefits. 
  • Assisting with implementation of funding from Montgomery County (MD) by engaging in Know Your Rights Presentations; representing some Montgomery County (MD) clients in removal; and networking and collaborating with Montgomery County government agencies and non-profits. 

In addition to the skills above, the Staff Attorney should be creative and adaptive in meeting the needs of clients, excelling in his/her role as a problem solver as he/she addresses the protection needs of the immigrants we serve. 

Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and a Law Degree from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in at least one state required. Within one year of hire, required to pass the certification exam for admission to the Bar of Maryland. 
  • 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law, including representation in immigration court required. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and database management. 
  • Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. 
  • Multi-lingual abilities preferred, with a preference for Spanish. 

Compensation and Benefits

  • This is an exempt position with a benefits package including health, dental, disability, and life insurance; generous leave; and a retirement plan. 
  • If you share Luminus’ vision and possess the necessary qualifications, please send a cover letter and a resume to careers@beluminus.org 

LUMINUS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard for race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military.