Attorney Immigration - VAWA - Esperanza Center

Salary: $71,890 to $74,794 per year

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Esperanza Center is seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney to provide legal counsel and representation to low-income immigrants as part of the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program at Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Esperanza Center, working primarily on cases supported by Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding. This position represents immigrant survivors of qualifying forms of violence and other eligible clients in a variety of immigration matters before federal immigration courts, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of Homeland Security. The Immigration Staff Attorney also provides guidance and supervision to law students, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys.

In support of the Esperanza Center’s mission to welcome immigrants by offering hope, compassionate services, and opportunities to improve their lives, this position helps vulnerable individuals and families navigate complex immigration processes and access legal protections.

This is a one-year grant-funded position, with continued employment contingent upon available funding.

The Esperanza Center is a comprehensive resource center whose mission is to welcome immigrants by offering hope, compassionate services, and the power to improve their lives. Since 1963, immigrants from all over the world have trusted the Esperanza Center to help them navigate life in a new country. Our dedicated staff and volunteers provide services related to education, healthcare, immigration legal matters, family reunification for unaccompanied immigrant children, and general community support to thousands of immigrants each year.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages a high-volume caseload across a variety of immigration matters, with primary accountability for timely, accurate, and client-centered case strategy, preparation, and resolution. Case types include, but are not limited to, asylum; Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions and cancellation; special immigrant juvenile status; family-based petitions and visas; nonimmigrant visa processing; TPS; adjustment of status; naturalization; hardship waivers; cancellation of removal; U and T visas; and related motions and legal memoranda.

• Provides effective legal representation in custody and guardianship proceedings in Maryland Circuit Court, through a Maryland license or admission under Rule 19; in USCIS interviews before the Baltimore District Office and the Arlington, VA Asylum Office; and before federal immigration courts and other administrative bodies to advance clients’ legal interests.

• Assists with the intake process by conducting telephonic and in-person intake interviews and consultations, evaluates prospective clients’ eligibility and legal needs, and supports timely, consistent case acceptance decisions and referrals.

• Performs thorough legal research using AILA publications, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.), and other primary and secondary sources to support accurate legal analysis, case strategy, and written advocacy.

• Maintains accurate, complete, timely, and confidential case files and documentation to support legal compliance, continuity of representation, and reliable program records.

• Recruits, trains, and mentors pro bono attorneys serving as co-counsel on ILS and referred cases, providing appropriate guidance and oversight to promote high-quality representation.

• Works collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team to coordinate comprehensive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services for immigrants of all ages and backgrounds.

• Conducts community outreach, education, presentations, and workshops and represents the agency at community and professional functions to expand awareness of services and strengthen referral and professional partnerships.

• Tracks accurate case statistics and outcomes and contributes to program communications and grant reports to demonstrate performance, compliance, and community impact.

• Ensures program services, practices, and procedures align with program and agency philosophy, professional standards, and applicable requirements.

• Supports periodic fundraising campaigns and events; participates in program and Center-wide retreats, meetings, and events; and promotes the Esperanza Center to advance program visibility and sustainability.

• Performs other duties as assigned in support of program and agency objectives.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school or equivalent law degree that meets applicable licensing requirements.

• Active license to practice law and membership in good standing with the bar of at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia.

• Knowledge of U.S. immigration law, regulations, and legal procedures.

• Knowledge of humanitarian immigration relief, including protections available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other qualifying crimes preferred.

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.

• Applies strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills to set priorities, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions.

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and leadership skills and a courteous, professional demeanor when working with clients, colleagues, and community partners from diverse cultures.

• Demonstrates accountability by working independently, effectively managing pressure, and meeting established deadlines.

• Acts with discretion, tact, and professionalism in all situations, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.

• Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job functions, including basic Windows PC applications, web browsing, and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive, is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid work options are available, contingent upon business needs and performance expectations in alignment with the Agency’s policy.

• Remaining in a stationary position, which may involve standing or sitting for extended periods, as required to complete tasks or duties associated with the role.

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites, which may involve walking, standing, or traveling to various locations as required by the role.

• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information, which may involve speaking, listening, writing, or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues, clients, or external parties.

• Repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, including tasks such as typing, data entry, or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.

• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines.

• Hearing and vision abilities, with or without correction, sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing and self-care, and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer