Staff Attorney - Released
Company: KIND
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: October 21, 2024
Job Description:
About KIND
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection
of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced
from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a
world in which every child's rights and well-being are protected
throughout their journey to safety. Building on its extensive
programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is
expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to
bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work
focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this
population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training
and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private
sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to
advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.
Position Summary
KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to
unaccompanied children needing legal representation through zealous
direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including
robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono
attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior
Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff.
The Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney.
Essential Functions
- Provides both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct
legal representation to KIND clients.
- In the pro bono mentoring function, provide robust consultation
and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a
KIND case.
- In the direct representation function, perform ordinary
functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating
the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews;
appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies; and
drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for
benefits.
- Supervises interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed
including:
- Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review
and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance
evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision
and oversight.
- Places cases with pro bono attorneys and actively build
relationships between KIND and the pro bono community.
- In coordination with KIND's Training and Technical Assistance
Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, helps
develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum,
including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision,
present trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups.
- Contributes to overall office functioning, including actively
participating in field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings,
field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office
events.
- Ensures entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into
KIND's case management systems.
- Represents KIND at local coalitions, courts, and
agencies.Qualifications and Requirements
- J.D. and admitted to the local state bar (If not admitted to
local state bar, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be
admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year
of employment).
- Must be fluent in English and Spanish; or fluent in English and
must participate in and complete the Spanish immersion program. To
be eligible for the Spanish immersion program, candidates must have
a minimum proficiency level of B1.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience practicing immigration law,
which should include representation of clients in humanitarian
immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status, U visas, and T visas.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children,
preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with
vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or
other trauma.
- Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal
volunteers if the majority of the caseload is working directly with
pro bono attorneys.
- Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural
communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and
persuasively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds,
lived experiences, and communication styles.
- Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as
well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work
life.
- Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core
mission of access to justice and protection of children's wellbeing
and rights.
- Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of
urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a
work-home life balance.
- Experience working and communicating in a remote
environment.Our Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision insurance
with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium
for one of the two medical plan options, dental, and vision. -
Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and
dependent care. - Pre-tax transit and parking spending account. -
Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
insurance. - Employer-paid short and long-term disability
insurance. For a complete list of benefits, please click here. Our
Focus on Wellness KIND recognizes that our ability to help our
clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized
wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings,
Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs,
Time Away and Office Wellness Activities. For more information
regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this link.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this role, please submit an employment
application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your
resume and cover letter. KIND has an organization-wide commitment
to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work
environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals
from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are
strongly encouraged to apply. Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an
ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm no fees
recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as
part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews
via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage
in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For
more information, please visit the following website:
https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.
$72,122.79 - $90,153.49 a year
Compensation details: 72122.79-90153.49 Yearly Salary
PI0532ea1d2493-37248-33421510
Keywords: KIND, Hawthorne , Staff Attorney - Released, Legal , Los Angeles, California
Didn't find what you're looking for? Search again!
Loading more jobs...