Staff Attorney, Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence Initiative

HIAS Pennsylvania is looking for an attorney who is passionate about justice and ready to support other talented, committed lawyers.  This is a great opportunity for someone who is ready to fight for justice, safety and stability for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Driven by the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger, HIAS  Pennsylvania provides legal, resettlement and supportive services to immigrants and refugees from all backgrounds in order to assure their fair treatment and full integration into American society. 

HIAS Pennsylvania is the largest non-profit immigration legal service provider in Pennsylvania.  We assist low-income immigrants with adjustment of status, removal defense, family unification, citizenship, and other forms of humanitarian relief.  HIAS Pennsylvania prioritizes providing services to vulnerable populations including survivors of interpersonal violence and unaccompanied youth.

The Staff Attorney will be a member of HIAS Pennsylvania’s Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program. The program is a statewide leader in providing immigration legal services to survivors. This work includes assisting survivors in VAWA Self-Petitions, U and T visas, and other immigration matters, training and coordinating with staff of local social services agencies, educating and conducting outreach to community members, and advocating with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.

We are seeking a bilingual attorney. The core of this work is direct representation of Spanish speaking survivors in their immigration matters. The ideal candidate will have experience working with immigrant survivors of interpersonal violence through through a law school clinical program or public interest law organizations.   Other roles depend on the skills and experience of the attorney, the team’s needs as they evolve, and our commitment to crafting positions that are doable jobs in an environment supportive of work-life balance.

Direct Representation:  The Staff Attorney will represent survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in their immigration matters, with a special focus on domestic and sexual violence-based applications for relief, including VAWA self-petitions, U visas, and others. The Staff Attorney will represent individuals before USCIS and the Philadelphia Immigration Court.  Representation before these entities will be both in person and remote.

Community Education and Outreach: The Staff Attorney will assist with legal education efforts, including planning and providing presentations to local social service agencies and law enforcement stakeholders. The Staff Attorney will maintain strong relationships with our stakeholders and partner organizations and implement screening and referral protocols with newly identified stakeholders.

Administrative responsibilities:  The Staff Attorney will maintain clear and detailed records to facilitate reporting to grantors. The Staff Attorney will also be responsible for supervising paralegals, law students and volunteers when applicable.

HIAS PA is currently working on a hybrid model.  Our office is located in Philadelphia, PA.  HIAS Pennsylvania requires all staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.  The Staff Attorney for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault will be supervised by the Program Co-Managing Attorney.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($58,000- $67,000 / year)
• Exempt full-time position with minimum 35 hour work week
• Employment package includes comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement account with up to 5% employer contribution & 5% Safe Harbor
• Generous time off including Vacation, PTO, Paid Holidays
• Company paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance

HIAS Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran or disability status, political affiliation, or beliefs.  Our staff are a true melting pot of race, religion, national origin, and identity, and we know that diversity enriches our organization and helps us to fulfill our mission. We have an active DE&I initiative aimed at strengthening our internal capacity and culture.  All qualified applicants, including those who identify as members of minority or historically-marginalized groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• JD with experience working with immigrant populations
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Ability to drive and possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Passion for HIAS PA’s mission and work
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse colleagues, collaborators and stakeholders
• Ability to work with individuals who have experienced trauma
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365 applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-6 years of experience in immigration law, especially in VAWA self-petitions and U visas
• Experience in a public interest organization
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault
• Experience working with people who have experienced trauma