Associate Attorney needed for Houston office

Job Overview: A law firm in Houston, TX, is seeking an Associate Attorney to lead and manage a team responsible for preparing and submitting responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and other case-related inquiries from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The ideal candidate will have extensive litigation experience, leadership abilities, and a background in immigration law.

Duties:

• Train a team of writers in written advocacy, research, and other litigation skills to prepare early drafts for further review and refinement.
• Oversee a team of support specialists tasked with assisting clients in providing additional evidence in support of responses to case-dispositive inquiries.
• Manage the RFE response team to meet all deadlines and continuously improve response quality.
• Implement and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure the team effectively manages high volumes of work.
• Track and analyze trends in RFEs to improve response and application processes.
• Analyze communications from USCIS, including RFEs, NOIDs, and application denials.
• Evaluate application materials and identify additional evidence to provide to USCIS.
• Conduct legal and factual research and train the team to do the same.
• Review case submissions to USCIS for attorney approval before submission.

Requirements:

• Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
• Barred to practice law in a state or territory of the United States.
• Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience with a focus on written advocacy.
• Leadership or management experience leading others.
• Demonstrated ability to train others on complex topics.
• Ideally, at least 1 year of experience as an immigration attorney with a focus on researching and drafting responses to RFEs or NOIDs.
• Experience with VAWA, T-Visa, U-Visa, Asylum, Medical DA, I-601, DS-260, and DS-160 applications is a plus.
• Substantial legal research and drafting experience.
• Being bilingual in English and Spanish is advantageous.
• Strong litigation and written advocacy skills.
• Appellate background or experience in drafting dispositive motions briefs is preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Bar admission in a state or territory of the United States.

Skills:

• Legal research and writing.
• Leadership and team management.
• Analytical thinking.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organization and time management.
• Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish preferred).

Job Location: Houston, TX