Temporary Staff Attorney, Hartford, CT

United States·HartfordTemporarylead

Legal & ComplianceAttorney

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Overview

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.

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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 facing removal proceedings 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.

This position is contingent upon continued funding.

Oversee paralegals ensuring the provision of high-quality intakes and legal orientations for unaccompanied children residing in immigration detention facilities. Review legal screenings conducted by paralegals to determine children's preliminary eligibility for immigration relief.

Make "friend-of-the-court" appearances on the juvenile detained docket in Immigration Court on behalf of detained children. Enter representation in certain cases.

Communicate regularly with shelter staff regarding the status of children in detention; advocate for alternative placements on behalf of children who are in danger of "aging out" of care or seeking placement in long-term foster care facilities.

As needed, represent a smaller docket of children in their applications for relief who do not have reunification options and must remain longer in detention.

Once children are released locally from detention, provide zealous direct legal representation to children in their removal proceedings and in their applications for immigration relief. In certain cases, depending on experience, caseload, and organizational priorities, place those cases with pro bono attorneys and provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys. The percentage of mentoring and direct representation caseloads will be determined by management in the Legal Programs component.

Perform ordinary functions of legal counsel providing direct representation, including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state court or agencies, and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits.

Place cases with pro bono attorneys and 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, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present training to pro bono attorneys and community groups.

Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems.

Contribute to overall office functioning, including joining field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, participating in the field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events.

As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-legal staff 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.

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).

Fluent in English and Spanish (required for direct communication with the children we serve and their caregivers, the majority of whom are Spanish-speaking).

Minimum 1-year 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 1-year experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children.

Strong communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.

Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.

Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers preferred.

Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.

Regular/weekly travel to local immigration detention facility required.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).

Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.

Ability to multitask 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 preferred but not required