Staff Attorney

Overview

Title: Staff Attorney

Position Type: Regular Full-Time (37.50 hours per week), Exempt

Location: Flexible work environment with hybrid & in‑office options; based out of Twin Cities Metro Area.

The Southeast Asian Defense Response Project Staff Attorney will work in close partnership with Southeast Asian Freedom Network, Man Forward, and Transforming Generations to increase legal access and resources to our Southeast Asian Communities in Minnesota. The Staff Attorney is responsible for legal representation in a variety of immigration matters, including immigration court cases, and for providing information, technical assistance, outreach, and training on behalf of income‑eligible persons.

Starting Salary: $76,320 for a licensed attorney, depending on experience & according to scale.

• The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• Work‑life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in‑office collaboration.
• Paid leave including the following:
  • Paid Time Off – Employees earn 12.5 hours per month during the first 2 years (4 weeks), 15.625 per month in years 2‑5 (5 weeks), and 18.75 per month after 5 years (6 weeks). Employees can carry up to 80 hours of unused leave from year to year.
  • Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST):
    In compliance with Minnesota law, ILCM will provide employees with up to 80 hours sick and safe leave, or pro‑rated upon commencement of employment. Unused sick and safe time will not be carried over from one calendar year to the next, nor will it be paid out at year end.
  • Holiday Leave:
    Most major federal holidays off including the days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. ILCM offers one floating holiday and the opportunity to exchange holidays that don’t fall within an employee's religious or cultural background.
  • Paid Family & Medical Leave:
    In compliance with Minnesota statute. See Handbook and Benefits Guide for more information.
• Competitive benefits include:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (with employer contributions)
  • Employer‑paid life and disability coverage (voluntary life insurance available at employee cost)
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match
  • FSA and HSA with employer contributions (HSA is only available for employees enrolled in our HSA medical plan)
  • Pet Benefits & Pet Discount Program with employer contributions
  • A remote connectivity stipend of $50/month
  • Payment for organizational/membership dues
  • Training/professional development budget of $500/year

Representation 65%

• With support of intake team and legal assistants, screen clients for eligibility for services and immigration relief.
• Prepare and submit written pleadings and motions to the Immigration Court in Fort Snelling, MN.
• Represent detained clients in their request for bond.
• Draft and file appropriate applications for relief from removal (i.e. cancellation of removal, asylum, waiver applications, motions to reopen, among others).
• Draft and file appropriate applications with USCIS for clients in removal proceedings (i.e. SIJS, TVPRA asylum, TPS, EADs, among others).
• Meet with clients at detention facilities or remotely.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for individual hearings.
• Represent clients (where appropriate) to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Maintain client data in compliance with organization protocols, grant and contract requirements, and ethical obligations.

Outreach 20%

• In partnership with Southeast Asian Freedom Network, Transforming Generations, and Man Forward, create and join outreach opportunities to connect with our Southeast Asian immigrant communities in Minnesota.
• Conduct regular presentations and consultations at partner sites.
• Conduct consultations with and provide advice to potential clients, including individuals in immigration detention.
• Participate in legal advice clinics.
• Support ILCM’s detention line by taking calls, advising clients, and supervising volunteers and interns on the line.

Mentorship 5%

• Mentor student volunteers and staff members on legal issues and crimmigration topics.
• Work with interns on case work and projects.
• Partner with…