PartTime Immigration Family Law Associate Attorney

Hybrid Immigration and Family Law Associate at Santiago Legal LLC is seeking an Immigration and Family Law Associate with at least three years of family-based and humanitarian immigration experience, as well as experience in family law and Orders for Protection, to join our Minnetonka, Minnesota office. Pay is determined based on depth of experience in the practice area. The attorney hired will assist with the preparation and review of family-based petitions, adjustment of status applications, consular processing, green card renewals, removal of conditional residence, citizenship and naturalization applications, work permits (EAD), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications, U visa petitions, VAWA petitions, and deportation defense matters.

Additionally, the attorney will handle Orders for Protection (OFPs) in civil domestic abuse cases, criminal domestic abuse defense and representation, and other family law matters affecting immigrant families. Santiago Legal’s attorneys also provide bilingual Spanish‑English client consultations, represent clients in USCIS interviews and immigration court proceedings, appear in family court and criminal court for domestic abuse matters, and supervise paralegal staff in case management and document preparation.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the challenges facing Hispanic and Latino immigrant families, experience handling the intersection of immigration and domestic violence cases, and a commitment to providing personalized, culturally sensitive legal representation.

• Prepare various legal documents, such as motions, pleadings, briefs, and correspondence.
• Conduct research and draft pleadings, briefs, and motions.
• Determine case strategies and solutions to serve clients’ needs after analysis.
• Oversee paralegals, law clerks, and administrative staff.
• Represent clients in court to argue motions during legal proceedings.
• Provide representation for clients in court in legal cases pertaining to Immigration Law and Family Law, including deportation defense, removal proceedings, and Orders for Protection.
• Represent clients at the Master Calendar and Individual Hearings before the Immigration Court.
• Represent clients at USCIS interviews for adjustment of status, naturalization, and other immigration benefits.
• Organize and record all official documents required to file cases, including family-based petitions, humanitarian applications, and domestic violence-related immigration relief.
• Appear in family court and criminal court for domestic abuse matters, including OFPs and criminal domestic violence defense.
• Conduct bilingual Spanish‑English client consultations to ensure culturally sensitive and accessible legal services.
• Prepare and file VAWA self‑petitions, U visa applications, and TPS applications for clients facing humanitarian crises.
• Coordinate with paralegals and support staff on case management, document preparation, and client communication.
• Advise clients on the intersection of immigration status and family law matters, particularly in domestic violence cases.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs is needed.
• Graduation from law school with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and at least 2 years of experience representing clients.
• Prior experience working in a law firm for a minimum of 1–2 years.
• Member of a local bar association; active membership preferred.
• Strong decision‑making, public speaking, problem‑solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficient in legal research programs such as Fastcase, Westlaw, and Lexis.
• Efficient time management and the ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously across immigration and family law matters.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to navigate complex immigration and domestic violence cases.
• Multitasking abilities to manage administrative duties, client consultations, court appearances, and case preparation.
• Skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques for court proceedings and client advocacy.
• Proficient in Immigration Law, including family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, deportation defense, and naturalization processes.
• Experience with family law matters, particularly Orders for Protection (OFPs) and domestic violence cases.
• Bilingual Spanish‑English proficiency strongly preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota or eligible for admission to the Minnesota Bar.
• Member in good standing of relevant bar associations (Minnesota State Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association preferred).
• Understanding of cultural sensitivity and challenges facing Hispanic and Latino immigrant families.
• Familiarity with USCIS procedures, immigration court proceedings, and family court processes.

$110,000 – $127,000 annually.