Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Attorney

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a dedicated Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Attorney in Silver Spring, MD. This role involves advocating for unaccompanied immigrant children seeking lawful permanent residency in the United States. The attorney will work closely with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to prepare petitions and represent clients in immigration court, impacting the safety and future opportunities of immigrant children.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrant children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
• Conduct client interviews to assess eligibility and gather necessary documentation.
• Collaborate with social workers and guardians to obtain required court orders and evidence.
• Prepare and file petitions with USCIS and represent clients in immigration court proceedings.
• Stay current with changes in immigration law and provide training to staff and community partners.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the state bar and in good standing.
• At least two years of experience practicing immigration law, with direct experience handling SIJS cases.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including minors and trauma-affected clients.
• Familiarity with family court proceedings and child welfare systems.
• Training or certification in trauma-informed legal advocacy.
• Experience conducting community outreach and legal education.
• Strong knowledge of federal immigration laws related to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Skills

• Strong legal research and writing skills for preparing petitions and legal briefs.
• Effective communication skills for client interviews and collaboration with teams.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple cases and ensuring timely filings.
• Cultural competency and empathy to build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Advocacy and negotiation skills for securing favorable outcomes in court.