Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Wellness resources

Function: Supervision of Legal Program

Title: Immigration Supervising Attorney

Position Location: This position will be based at LORI’s Baton Rouge office.

Compensation: $75,000 - $85,000

Reports To: Executive Director

About LORI

The Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI) supports refugees and immigrants in their journey of integration in Louisiana by providing programs and services to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities to become self-reliant and civically active.

Our aim is to connect communities to essential services and equip them with leadership skills to advocate for their families. At LORI, we promote diversity and inclusion, advocate for humane immigration policies, and increase access to legal services, policy advocacy, education, and community engagement. We also work with other organizations to combat racism and injustice by empowering refugees and immigrants in Louisiana through building power, developing leadership, and driving structural change.

Summary

LORI is seeking an experienced Immigration Supervising Attorney with demonstrated knowledge working with diverse cultural groups to join our growing legal team. The Supervising Attorney will oversee LORI’s newly formed Immigration Legal Program and overseeing a staff that provides comprehensive immigration assistance to low-income refugees, asylees, and other immigrants in need. They will also engage in outreach activities and provide direct immigration legal services, which may include petitions for relatives, naturalization, adjustment of status, and more. The Supervising Attorney will be responsible for providing guidance and support to the legal program team consisting of a Staff Attorney, paralegal, legal fellow, DOJ representative and (2-3) volunteers as well as expanding LORI's Legal program. The Supervising Attorney must embody LORI's core principles, which include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), integrity, a person-centered approach, empowerment, and exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership:

Oversee LORI's legal services and staff addressing clients’ immigration legal needs.

Provide direct legal representation to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Provide leadership in the design and evaluation of LORI’s legal program to continuously meet the evolving needs of immigrant communities.

Develop and monitor annual budget to support legal program’s activities and staff.

Work closely with the Executive Director in advancing LORI’s mission and goals.

Staff Management:

Provide direct supervision and support for legal staff, including conducting staff evaluations, aiding in the development and execution of work plans, overseeing the recruitment, and hiring of legal staff, and ensuring continuous professional growth.

Client and Case Management:

Collaborate closely with legal staff to conduct thorough immigration legal screenings and assist eligible clients with applications for services (e.g. relief, such as adjustments of status, TPS, naturalization, green card renewals, family-based visa petitions, removal of conditions for eligible lawful permanent residents, etc.).

Oversee the maintainance of accurate records of client interactions and case progress to provide regular updates to clients about their case.

Community Engagement:

Engage with immigrant communities by conducting know-your-rights workshops and educational sessions on immigration policies and procedures.

Represent LORI at local, state and national meetings, workshops and/or conferences to amplify the immigration legal needs of refugees and immigrants in Louisiana.

Compliance and Reporting:

Support LORI’s fund development by providing program-related data and information necessary for grant applications and grant reporting.

Provide information and data that helps to tell the story about the impact of LORI’s legal program to various groups (e.g. community partners, businesses, local government, donors/funders, and LORI’s Board members).

Partnership Development and Relationship Building:

Foster and establish broad partnerships with key government agencies, funders, attorneys, law schools, and other partner organizations with the goal of developing collective strategies in support of low-income and vulnerable immigrant communities and to enhance the effectiveness of LORI's immigration legal program.

Professional Development:

Stay abreast of changes in immigration laws and policies by participating in relevant training and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated commitment to community-centered immigrant justice.

Valid license to practice law and be eligible to practice immigration law.

Minimum of 4 years of experience in immigration legal practice and focus on support to low-income clients. Experience with affirmative and defensive applications for humanitarian relief, family-based applications, and naturalization applications is highly advantageous.

Demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse organizations and cultural groups, including legal service providers, organizers, community leaders, and other legal advocacy organizations.

Engagement with immigrant communities (e.g. Hispanic, Middle Eastern, African, etc.) and amplifying their experiences and voices.

Demonstrated personal dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills.

Disciplined, focused, and detail-oriented with experience in establishing and implementing systems for organizing and managing legal casework, while also being adaptable and agile.

Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, including being goal-oriented, working independently, assuming multiple roles, and prioritizing tasks.

Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours when required ( compensatory time off provided in such instances).

Additional Qualifications Appreciated but Not Required:

Admission to the Louisiana Bar.

Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Arabic.

Personal lived experiences that contribute to a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable refugees and immigrants.

Employee Benefits We offer $ 3,000 (Paid $250 monthly) in lieu of medical insurance.

Paid Time and Holidays Off

LORI offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees. Benefits include two weeks of paid vacation and medical leave, a personal day for every two months worked, paid holidays throughout the calendar year (including federal holidays), and a year-end winter break from December 24th to January 1st.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest to career@mylori.org. While we suggest submitting applications by April 30, 2024, we will accept applications until the position is filled. We understand that meeting all qualifications for a role can be challenging, and research has shown that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and those who identify as female, may self-exclude from suitable job opportunities. If you possess many of the qualifications outlined in the job description, we encourage you to apply for this position. We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LORI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status. as All qualified candidates who meet the job requirements will be considered. LORI provides reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and a flexible work schedule based on each employee’s circumstances.

We prioritize historically underrepresented groups and those facing societal discrimination in our recruitment efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity. Our organization is committed to affirmative action and creating a fair and equitable workplace for all employees. Minority amplicants with lived experience as immigrants encouraged to apply.