Staff Attorney

Founded in 2004, the Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center (KIAC) advances the well-being and power-building of immigrants through education, advocacy, and social justice. We envision a community where all people, regardless of birthplace, have access to justice, respect, and opportunity. KIAC provides free and affordable immigration legal services, family support, tax and business assistance, and advocacy. Our clients come from over 70 countries, speaking more than 60 languages.

The Staff Attorney collaborates with the Legal Services Director to provide immigration legal representation and supports Accredited Representatives, volunteer attorneys, and the legal team. This role handles a range of cases, including Protection Orders, family law matters related to domestic violence, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, VAWA self-petitions, U and T visas, family-based petitions, consular processing, waivers, adjustment of status, and removal defense, including cases involving immigration detention.

This position is based in Bremerton, WA, with some work in Jefferson, Mason, and Clallam Counties.

Learn more about Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center at kitsapiac.org

Responsibilities

• Uphold and actively support the mission of KIAC by demonstrating commitment to social justice and equity, working to dismantle systemic barriers impacting immigrant clients and ensuring that all clients feel respected and valued.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive environment for clients, staff, and volunteers, contributing to a workplace culture that honors KIAC’s values and mission.
• Work closely with Director of Legal Services, Legal Coordinator, administrative staff, and Accredited Representatives (ARs) and volunteers during the client representation process and to support case preparation
• Manage immigration case load and provide legal representation to clients in immigration matters, including family-based petitions, asylum applications, removal defense, special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), and other forms of immigration relief. Maintains files, reviews and prepares material for storage or disposal once a case has been closed.
• Represent survivors of domestic violence in civil proceedings including but not limited to temporary and permanent restraining orders, dissolution of marriage and child custody matters.
• Prepare and file applications, motions, briefs, and other documents in immigration court and with USCIS, EOIR, BIA, ICE, and other relevant agencies.
• Advocate for clients at interviews and hearings, maintaining a strong commitment to ethical and effective representation. Will attend hearings both alone and with Accredited Representatives (ARs), the Legal Services Director and the volunteer attorneys during legal proceedings.
• Conduct consultations, clinics, intake and case management for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, with high levels of integrity, inclusivity, and respect.
• Coordinate with other staff on comprehensive support services, such as housing assistance, healthcare, and family services, to provide holistic support to clients.
• Stay current with immigration and family law updates, policy changes, and best practices in immigrant and family law advocacy.
• Actively engage in training opportunities, network with other law professionals, and advocate for immigrant rights through coalition-building and community engagement.
• Participate in all staff meetings and on occasion in organization-wide and community outreach and education events, and/or special advocacy initiatives that support immigrant rights.
• Perform other duties as needed to contribute to the overall success of the organization’s mission.

Required Qualifications

• Able to practice law in the State of Washington
• Has a strong commitment and unrelenting dedication to the work of social justice, diversity, inclusion and ensuring equitable opportunities for all people.
• 1+ years-experience working with immigrant, refugee or vulnerable populations.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, required. (Preferred third language)
• Excellent organizational, time management skills and attention to detail. Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met promptly.
• Strong cultural competency and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple community leaders and services offices.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing, in person, and over the phone.
• Ability to adapt to a high-volume workload with fast-changing deadlines and priorities.
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office programs, client relationship management databases. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and fax machines.
• Ability to pass a background check indicative of the position requirements.
• Ability to work full-time, in-person at KIAC’s Bremerton office with the ability to travel to partner organizations in the region and to courts in Seattle, Tacoma and on rare occasion, Portland and state courts in specific counties across Washington State.

Preferred Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

• Familiarity with the Clio case management system.
• Fluency in Mam or Q'anjob'al (Guatemala)

Physical and Emotional Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly required to be both stationary and mobile; occasionally lift up to 25 lb; communicate and manage workflows in person, over the computer and via phone; drive a vehicle to additional work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly required to discuss and engage with issues related to lived trauma and the immigrant experience.

KIAC staff operate in a hybrid model, in-office work will be expected of this position (at least 3 days per week) and as needed. Additional travel in surrounding regions required.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.