JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: STAFF ATTORNEY (GRAND RAPIDS)
POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC), is seeking an outstanding attorney to represent survivors of domestic violence. The successful candidate will collaborate with local community programs, conduct outreach, provide technical support, and handle a caseload of immigration cases including but not limited to naturalization, affirmative asylum applications, removal defense (including bond), VAWA, U visas, and other forms of humanitarian relief. This candidate will also be involved with supervising law clerks and engaging in impact litigation cases, appeals, and other advocacy on behalf of immigrant individuals and families in Michigan. This is a chance to join a talented team doing incredibly important and challenging work.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrant communities. The three pillars of our work are: direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education and engagement. MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low income and senior persons through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and miadvocacy.org
BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a salary starting at $60,000 depending on experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 13 paid holidays, as well as an annual 2% contribution and 2% match to retirement plan subject to board approval for eligible staff. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Michigan, qualified to be admitted by waiver, or able to take the next Michigan bar exam. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical and problem‐solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants or other persons in poverty. Candidate must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Candidate must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection if they intend to work remotely some of the time. Applicants who have experience, especially related to immigration and poverty, will receive priority. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to effectively communicate in Spanish.
HOW TO APPLY:
1) Complete this application form: https://forms.gle/ywbiu7xtXxQF1eHM8
2) E-mail a cover letter that confirms your qualifications, your current resume, and a list of three professional references to [email protected] with “MIRC Staff Attorney” in the subject line.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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