Hybrid Staff Attorney, Phoenix, Tucson

at Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project

• Job title: Staff Attorney, Phoenix, Tucson
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $70,907 - $93,107 per year
• Degree requirement: Professional Certificate
• Tech skills: Cyber Security
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Phoenix, United States

About the role

• Staff Attorney providing legal representation for immigrants facing removal proceedings in Arizona. Collaborating with a team to offer pro se assistance and direct representation during removal processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation to individuals in removal proceedings, including those found incompetent.
• Provide representation before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals and USCIS as needed.
• Handle most forms of relief, including cancellation of removal for LPRs and non LPRs, asylum/withholding/CAT cases, adjustment of status for refugees and other non-citizens, citizenship, T and U visas, and VAWA claims.
• Refer cases to other teams according to the established procedures.
• Refer cases to social services for support and follow up work.
• Conduct intake interviews and provide group “Know Your Rights” presentations to unrepresented individuals at the detention centers in Eloy and Florence, AZ, as needed.
• Educate participants on how to represent themselves and prepare pro se materials as needed.
• Conduct formal intakes.
• Provide follow-up Pro Se Assistance as needed, including but not limited to: Conduct legal research to determine eligibility.
• Write pro se motions and briefs on legal issues before the immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals, and/or USCIS.
• Review court files. Organize supporting evidence.
• Review relief applications and prepare detainees for court when necessary.
• Attend mandatory training and other CLEs and training ad hoc.
• Remain current in immigration law, and on implications of criminal and civil law.
• Complies with required ethical standards, preserve client confidentiality, and avoid conflict of interest.
• Maintain complete and accurate case notes and client records.
• Prepare timely statistical reports. Conduct case audits for presentation and review as required.
• Follow cybersecurity rules and other compliance requirements.
• Attend and actively participate in FIRRP meetings; including staff meetings and joint case review meetings as scheduled.
• Track hours, data, and mileage for reimbursement as appropriate.
• Maintain case notes, data and time keeping in a timely manner and keep electronic and physical files organized.
• Attend occasional meetings with stakeholders including EOIR, ICE officials, and/or CCA officials to discuss ongoing issues.
• When requested, speak on behalf of FIRRP in various settings including media, panels, conferences, conference calls, to visiting students, to visiting funders, or to community groups.
• Participate in internal or external advocacy or outreach objectives relevant to FIRRP’s mission.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local and national community partners, including but not limited to private immigration attorneys, public officials, law enforcement officials, and other nonprofits that provide services to the immigrant population.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with the EOIR, ICE, USCIS, government and social service organizations, and community organizations.
• Communicate with the Legal Director about advocacy initiatives and legal training for the community.
• Participate in developing and implementing special projects or presentations.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• J.D. and admission to any state bar.
• OR must have sat for the bar July 2025.
• Alternatively, applicants who are law school graduates who have taken the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and achieved a score of 260 -269 are eligible to apply, with commitment to pursue admission to the Arizona State Bar through the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP).
• Demonstrate commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way.
• Demonstrate a zealous support of the Florence Project’s mission.
• Must be comfortable working with people with criminal convictions.
• Strong litigation experience and/or oral advocacy skills.
• Strong legal research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Highly organized, an innovative thinker, and work in high-volume settings with limited resources.
• Excellent problem solving, research and analytical skills.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate to be a hardworking, flexible, respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client-centered work environment.
• Ability to work independently, be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, pressure, crisis or changing priorities.
• Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to pass federal and state background checks.
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required.
• Travel is required for this position. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications.

Benefits

• Medical plans including health, dental, vision coverage, subject to plan terms
• Short Term Disability
• Eligibility for group benefits such as voluntary life insurance, subject to applicable waiting periods
• Retirement plan, subject to plan terms
• Paid Time Off earned on a biweekly accrual basis- Twenty-five (25) Days of Vacation Time, annually
• Five (5) Days of Medical/Sick Time, annually
• One (1) Day of Personal Time, monthly
• Eight (8) Week Paid Sabbatical, after three years of employment
• Bereavement leave.
• Fifteen (15) Organization-paid holidays, all observed
• Eligible for Parental Leave which includes Twelve (13) paid weeks
• Mileage reimbursement for travel between offices and places of work.
• Relocation Assistance for out of state new hires available for some positions.