Immigration Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATION HISTORY AND MISSION

The Min Kwon Center for Community Action is a dynamic, mission-driven, and people-powered nonprofit organization that serves, educates, and organizes the Korean American, Asian Pacific American (APA), and immigrant communities in New York and around the country. The Min Kwon Center offers free assistance with public benefits, health insurance enrollment, and taxes; provides free legal representation for immigration and housing, promotes civic participation with voter and census registration and outreach, and organizes campaigns with other local, state, and federal coalitions.

By prioritizing the needs and voices of low-income, undocumented, youth, senior, and limited English proficient residents, we are building a multilingual, multi-generational base of engaged community members to achieve social and economic justice for all.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a dedicated and talented individual to serve as an Immigration Staff Attorney. Min Kwon’s Social and Legal Services Program provides direct services to over 2,500 low-income households annually. This position is housed in our Immigration Legal Services program and requires a J.D.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Conduct comprehensive immigration screenings, intakes, and case assessments.
• Provide information about eligible immigration benefits, assist clients with gathering documents, and complete immigration applications & petitions.
• Provide direct representation and legal advice to clients in cases including but not limited to naturalizations, green card renewals, adjustment of status, SIJS, VAWA, TPS, U and T visas, cancellation of removal, family based petitions, DACA renewals, and inadmissibility waivers.
• Process immigration-related correspondence and manage routine client communications.
• Maintain detailed and up-to-date notes in case management system, and in physical and electronic files.
• Prepare and conduct community outreach and educational workshops.
• Work with Min Kwon’s development staff on immigration grants deliverables and reporting.
• General administrative and clerical duties.

Min Kwon Center’s Staff Attorney will provide free legal consultations and direct representation on immigration matters to primarily low-income Asian immigrant communities in New York City.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Provide legal counsel and direct representation to clients seeking assistance with affirmative applications, naturalization, and removal proceedings;
• Work with Min Kwon organizers to conduct outreach, trainings, and workshops for individuals and community partners on immigration issues;
• Represent Min Kwon during district stakeholder meetings with USCIS and in other immigration-related coalition meetings;
• Supervise and oversee volunteers and interns;
• Maintain detailed client records in case management system

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of the following:

• Licensed to practice law in the United States (Preferably in NY due to representing children in family court proceedings)
• Interest and experience in working with the Asian American community
• Expertise and experience in immigration law
• English and Chinese and/or Spanish language proficiency is required
• Ability to manage a diverse and high caseload and deadlines efficiently with minimal supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams
• Strong commitment to public service; non-profit experience preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum required qualifications for this position include the following:

• Chinese and/or Spanish fluency is required.
• J.D. required.
• Ability to work well independently, in teams, and in collaboration with outside organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and with limited English proficient communities.

The ideal candidate will also have the following preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience with immigration legal or social services.
• Knowledge, interest, and commitment towards concepts and issues of social, political, and economic justice and positive social…