Careers

Managing Attorney, Detained Adult Program

 

Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. 


 

Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees. 

DAP staff is a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 


 

Position Summary 

A Direct Representation Managing Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on ensuring that program staff provide excellent and efficient services to clients, implementing long-term plans for the program, providing direct legal services to immigrant adults, and supervising junior staff with a focus on professional development.


 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Representation

  • Provide oversight and management of significant aspects of the program in coordination with the program directors and other managers. 
  • Take on direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings before immigration courts in Maryland, Virginia and remote locations (virtually or in-person), USCIS, ICE and local federal or state courts. This includes representation in cases such as: Bond, Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention Against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-Visas, T-Visas, and Cancellation of Removal, as well as appeals and other corollary litigation.
  • Ensure that the program is kept abreast of new developments in the law and that junior staff are adequality trained on the law. 
  • Provide oversight and mentoring to staff and senior attorneys and paralegals on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management. 
  • Provide expert mentoring to outside attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis. 
  • Manage a caseload of in-house direct representation and pro bono mentorship cases to ensure timely completion and submission of all filings, forms, etc. 
  • Prepare Post Release Plans and social service plans, in coordination with social services staff. 
  • Research, engage, and prepare experts on health, behavioral health, and country conditions.

Detention Facility Visits: 

  • Conduct oversight of visits to government detention facilities. 
  • Conduct individual intakes and client meetings, including trial preparation, with immigrants at the detention facilities, and support and supervise junior staff in the same. Provide and supervise junior staff in providing necessary follow-up after intakes to evaluate eligibility for relief, including performing research, securing criminal/juvenile delinquency records and obtaining additional information from family and community members. 

Organizational Services: 

  • Work with program management to set long-term program plans. 
  • Coordinate with all internal DAP Programs (e.g., LOP, social services) to ensure all programs are kept abreast of developments and clients. 
  • Interface with leadership of other CAIR Coalition programs to ensure cross-program information and strategy sharing. 
  • Oversee the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion for program staff. 
  • Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low-bandwidth periods. 
  • Take part in stakeholder relationship activities, including in-person and remote meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, detention center staff, and other legal service providers. 
  • Lead internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to lend a voice to the growth and strategy of the organization. 
  • Undertake own administrative functions, including for casework (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings). CAIR Coalition attorneys do not have dedicated paralegals for assistance on all cases and non-attorney staff time is also dedicated to other programmatic responsibilities.

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 


 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, Exempt 

Reports To 

Deputy Program Director for the Detained Adult Program 

Supervisory Responsibility 

Responsible for directly supervising a limited number of staff on a direct representation team (generally senior staff and/or staff carrying out key program functions, may be attorneys, paralegals or administrative staff) and providing overall team leadership and back up support to other supervisors on the team. 

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Salary [2] 

$79,500 - $109,000 

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.  

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 


 

Benefits  

CAIR Coalition’s benefits package includes:  

  • Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
  • Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
  • Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
  • An annual data reimbursement of $300 
  • life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
  • the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
  • the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

  • 23 personal days per calendar year 
  • Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
  • 7 hours of volunteer time off 
  • Federal holidays 
  • Winter break closure 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave  


 

Requirements

Competencies Required: 

Legal Proficiency  

The employee demonstrates a mastery of immigration law and legal procedure and can deploy innovative and thoughtful approaches to assisting clients. The employee stays abreast of developments in the law and ensures that their supervisees are trained in new developments.  


 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The employee proficiently helps to manage all programmatic obligations. The employee proficiently manages their caseloads and the caseloads of the staff they supervise. The employee skillfully supervises their staff and ensures that staff are in a position to grow professionally.  


 

Administrative 

The employee ensures that all administrative aspects of their position (and their supervisees’ positions), attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.
 

Qualifications Required: 

  • JD and active license to practice law;  
  • Relevant experience in immigration law, including removal defense;  
  • Written and oral Spanish proficiency strongly preferred;  
  • Relevant experience in supervision and project management. 
  • It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       


 

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants 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. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 


 

How to Apply:?  

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1705212/Capital-Area-Immigrants-Rights-Coalition/Managing-Attorney-Detained-Adult-Program 

Senior Attorney, Detained Adult Program

Status of Hiring: 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with CAIR Coalition. We are receiving applications for the senior attorney position with the Detained Adult Program (DAP) but we are not actively recruiting at this time. If there is an opening available for the position that matches your qualifications and interests, we will contact you directly. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. 

Please note that by submitting your application to our organization, you are giving us permission to contact you in the future should a suitable opportunity arise. Your personal information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used only for the purpose of evaluating your application and considering your for future roles. 

If you have further questions or need assistance with the application process, please email HR@caircoalition.org. Thank you again for considering our organization as a potential employer. 

 

Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. 


Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees. 

DAP staff is a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 


Position Summary 

A Senior Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on (i) the provision of direct legal services under a universal representation model to immigrant adults held in facilities in Virginia and Maryland, (ii) the supervision of staff attorneys and legal assistants (also including supervision of interns and fellows); and (iii) the mentoring of pro bono attorneys. This position is based in our Baltimore, Maryland office and will work primarily with our Maryland focused universal representation project/public defender model. This project provides legal representation to detained immigrants regardless of their criminal history and immigration procedural postures. 


 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Representation:  

  • Manages caseload of direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings primarily before the Arlington and/or Baltimore Immigration Courts. This includes representation types such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-Visas, T-Visas, and Cancellation of Removal.  
  • Provide direct supervision to staff attorneys on direct representation cases, including supervision and assistance of (i) case strategy, (ii) trial preparation, and (iii) case load management.  
  • Provide expert mentoring to outside attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis.  
  • Assist other program staff during high-work/low bandwidth periods.  
  • Participates in stakeholder relationship activities.  
  • Engages with internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to lend a voice to the growth and strategy of the organization.  
  • Written and oral Spanish fluency strongly preferred, but experienced supervisors will be considered with no Spanish language. 
  • Driver’s license required. 

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 


 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, exempt position 

Reports To 

Assigned senior staff or Program Director 

Supervisory Responsibility 

TBD 

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be accepted and offers made on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Salary [2] 

$67,800-$96,500 

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.  

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 


 

Benefits  

CAIR Coalition’s benefits package includes:  

  • Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
  • Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
  • Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
  • An annual data reimbursement of $300 
  • life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
  • the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
  • the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

  • 23 personal days per calendar year 
  • Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
  • 7 hours of volunteer time off 
  • Federal holidays 
  • Winter break closure 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave  


 

Requirements

Competencies Required: 

Legal Proficiency 

The Senior Attorney demonstrates a solid understanding of legal concepts at a level that allows them to provide services to clients with limited supervision. The Senior Attorney clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations and assists junior staff in doing the same. The Senior Attorney has taken on multiple hearings or interviews for clients with limited supervision. The Senior Attorney is able to competently supervise Staff Attorneys on client interaction matters and legal strategy, research, and writing. The Senior Attorney demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. 


 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The Senior Attorney competently handles, and supervises, all required programmatic obligations (staff supervision, program reporting requirements, intake, follow-up, relief eligibility memos for pro bono placement, etc.). The Senior Attorney manages their supervision responsibilities and in-house and pro bono mentoring caseload to allow for proper prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The Senior Attorney supervises junior staff to ensure programmatic efficiency and efficacy. The Senior Attorney exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills and identifies when issues must be elevated to management. 

Administrative 

The Senior Attorney ensures that all administrative aspects of their position (and of their supervisees’), attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.). 


 

Qualifications Required: 

  • JD and 3-5 years of relevant experience in immigration law. 
  • Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing with a state bar. 
  • Written and oral Spanish fluency strongly preferred, but experienced supervisors will be considered with no Spanish language. 
  • It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants 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. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 

 

To Apply:

Complete the application in its entirety. Be sure to upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample focused on an immigration related legal issue. 

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/637713/Capital-Area-Immigrants-Rights-Coalition/Senior-Attorney-Detained-Adult-Program 

 

Senior Attorney, Detained Children's Program

 

Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Children’s Program provides legal orientation and screening to detained migrant children in the Maryland and Virginia region. We also offer free legal services to children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody to the greater Washington/DC Baltimore region. 


 

Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Children’s Program (DUCs) is a highly collaborative work environment. We are committed to providing high-quality, trauma-informed legal and social services and a culture of professional growth and support for staff. Although aspects of our work are completed in smaller teams, we work towards integrated and client-focused services across the program by embracing interconnectivity. We strive to create systems that provide structure while fostering innovation and adaptability. Supervisors in our program share a commitment to teaching, mentorship, and work life balance. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 


 

Position Summary 

A Staff Attorney in the Detained Children’s Program works collaboratively with staff and leadership to:  

  • provide high-quality, culturally competent direct legal services to detained and released unaccompanied immigrant children,  
  • coordinate and carry out visits to detention centers for the purpose of conducting legal intakes and Know Your Rights presentations to detained children,  
  • mentor pro bono attorneys providing legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children,  
  • contribute to the success of the program, building a culture of collaboration and learning, and 
  • promote a team culture of equity and inclusion. 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Representation: 

  • Manage a caseload, with supervision, of direct legal representation of detained and released clients in removal proceedings before local state and immigration courts and USCIS in the following types of cases: Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-Visas, and T-Visas. 
  • Participate in client intake and follow-up to determine eligibility for legal relief, facilitation of case placement with in-house or pro bono attorneys, and social services referrals. 
  • Remain abreast of new developments in the law by actively participating in legal trainings, reviewing written resources, and conducting legal research. 
  • Supervise legal assistants and interns on aspects of their work. 
  • Mentor pro bono attorneys from area law firms handling immigration cases, as needed. 
  • Handle own administrative tasks for casework (e.g., preparation and submission of filings, file maintenance, and recordkeeping). 

Organizational Services: 

  • Participate in regular facility visits for the purpose of conducting legal intakes and know your rights (KYR) presentations for detained children. 
  • Ensure the timely and accurate entry of case information into shared databases. 
  • Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low- bandwidth periods. 
  • Participate in stakeholder relationship activities, including meetings with community groups, government agencies, and other legal service providers 
  • Engage with internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to participate in the growth and strategy of the organization. 

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 


 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, Exempt 

Reports To 

Assigned Senior or Managing Attorney 

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

Salary [2] 

$61,500- $82,000 

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.  

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 


 

Benefits  

CAIR coalition’s benefits package includes:  

  • Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
  • Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
  • Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
  • An annual data reimbursement of $300 
  • life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
  • the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
  • the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

  • 23 personal days per calendar year 
  • Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
  • 7 hours of volunteer time off 
  • Federal holidays 
  • Winter break closure 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave  

Requirements

Competencies Required: 

Legal Proficiency 

The Staff Attorney demonstrates a developing understanding of legal concepts at a level that allows them to provide client-centered services to clients with moderate supervision. The Staff Attorney clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations with limited input from supervisors. The Staff Attorney is working towards self-sufficiency in hearings, interviews, and legal research and writing. 


 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The Staff Attorney satisfactorily handles all required programmatic obligations (including KYRs, legal intakes, follow-up interviewing, case placement, and direct representation services) with limited supervision. The Staff Attorney manages their in-house and pro bono mentoring caseload to allow for appropriate prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The Staff Attorney demonstrates a growing understanding of cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. The Staff Attorney demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making skills and identifies when issues must be elevated to a supervisor. 


 

Administrative 

The Staff Attorney ensures that all administrative aspects of their position are carried out with minimal managerial support, including timekeeping, file maintenance, and database entries. 


 

Qualifications Required: 

  • JD and 0-3 years relevant experience in immigration law (family law experience helpful but not required) 
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Maryland or Virginia, eligible to waive into the Maryland or Virginia bar, or willing to sit for the next scheduled bar exam 
  • Written and oral Spanish professional proficiency required; fluency preferred 
  • It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • Favorable results on background check including driving record, Child Protection Registry, and state and federal criminal records 
  • Ability to work remotely temporarily but fulfill job responsibilities in-person as required. 

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       


 

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants 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. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 


 

How to Apply:?  

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/1549614/Capital-Area-Immigrants-Rights-Coalition/Staff-Attorney-Detained-Childrens-Program 

Staff Attorney, Detained Adult Program

Status of Hiring: 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with CAIR Coalition. We are receiving applications for the staff attorney position with the Detained Adult Program (DAP) but we are not actively recruiting at this time. If there is an opening available for the position that matches your qualifications and interests, we will contact you directly. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. 

Please note that by submitting your application to our organization, you are giving us permission to contact you in the future should a suitable opportunity arise. Your personal information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used only for the purpose of evaluating your application and considering your for future roles. 

If you have further questions or need assistance with the application process, please email HR@caircoalition.org. Thank you again for considering our organization as a potential employer. 

 

Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Adult Program (DAP) works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE each year, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, person-centered services, and deeply value the autonomy of the people we work with in detention as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. 


 

Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Adult Program is a highly collaborative work environment. Each team lead works directly with a focused team, but all colleagues are interconnected through, for example, case workshops or staff-run committees. 

DAP staff is a source of expertise in the highly complex and ever-changing immigration system. They have persisted through administration changes, policy shifts, and attacks on the rights and freedoms of immigrants through project-focused cohorts that arise to address challenges or to brainstorm and implement affirmative strategies. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 


 

Position Summary 

A Staff Attorney in the Detained Adult Program focuses on: (i) screening individuals for program eligibility and immigration relief, (ii) managing a caseload of direct legal services to immigrant adults held in facilities in Virginia, Maryland and outside the DMV region, (iii) maintaining client and stakeholder information up to date in the organization’s database, (iv) advocating with stakeholders and community representatives for program and clients, and (v) the mentoring of pro bono attorneys. 


 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Representation: 

  • Manage a caseload of in-house direct legal representation of detained clients in removal proceedings before the Arlington and/or Baltimore Immigration Courts and out-of-state courts via remote appearance as needed. This includes representation in cases such as Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Board of Immigration Appeals, U-Visas, T- Visas, and Cancellation of Removal. An average staff attorney’s docket consists of four trial level cases going to individual hearing and other removal defense cases. 
  • Provide expert mentoring to outside pro bono attorneys representing detained immigrants on a pro bono basis. 
  • Prepare Post Release Plans and social service plans, in coordination with social services staff. 
  • Research, engage, and prepare experts on health, behavioral health, and country conditions. 

Detention Facility Services: 

  • Conduct government detention center visits as needed to prepare clients for their immigration hearings. 
  • Conduct individual intakes with immigrants at the detention facilities or remotely. Provide necessary follow-up after intakes to evaluate program eligibility and eligibility for relief, including performing research, securing criminal/juvenile delinquency records and obtaining additional information from family and community members. 

Organizational Services: 

  • Ensure the inputting and accuracy of data and case information into shared databases in a timely fashion. 
  • Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low- bandwidth periods. 
  • Take part in stakeholder relationship activities, including in-person and telephonic meetings with community groups, governmental bodies and representatives, and other legal service providers. 
  • Conduct trainings and stakeholder meetings with detention center staff. 
  • Engage with internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to lend a voice to the growth and strategy of the organization. 
  • Undertake own administrative functions, including casework (e.g., preparation of all aspects of filings). CAIR Coalition attorneys do not have dedicated paralegals for assistance on cases and non-attorney staff time is dedicated to client-facing tasks (e.g, jail visits). 

Program-Specific Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Coordinate with all internal DAP Programs (e.g., LOP, NQRP, Safe Cities) to ensure all programs are kept abreast of developments and clients. 

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 


 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, Exempt 

Reports To 

DAP Managing Attorney 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position does not include primary supervision of other staff; however, it may involve temporary supervision of paralegals or interns depending on case-specific needs. 

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Salary [2] 

$61,500 - $75,800 

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.  

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 


 

Benefits  

CAIR coalition’s benefits package includes:  

  • Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
  • Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
  • Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
  • An annual data reimbursement of $300 
  • life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
  • the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
  • the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

  • 23 personal days per calendar year 
  • Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
  • 7 hours of volunteer time off 
  • Federal holidays 
  • Winter break closure 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave  

Requirements

Competencies Required:

Legal Proficiency

The Staff Attorney demonstrates a developing understanding of legal concepts at a level that allows them to provide services to clients with moderate supervision. The Staff Attorney clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations with limited supervision and input from supervisors. The Staff Attorney contributes substantively to case assessment discussions. The Staff Attorney is working towards self-sufficiency in client hearings, interviews, and legal research and writing.


 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency

The Staff Attorney satisfactorily handles all required in-jail and in-office programmatic obligations (intake, follow-up, case summaries, case development, etc.) with limited supervision. The Staff Attorney manages their in-house and pro bono mentoring caseload to allow for proper prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources.


 

Administrative

The Staff Attorney ensures that all administrative aspects of their position, attendant to the provision of services to clients, are carried out without managerial intervention, including timekeeping, file upkeep, database upkeep, etc.


 

Qualifications Required:

  • JD and 1 -3 years of relevant experience with at least one year of immigration law preferred.
  • Certification: Licensed to practice law or expecting attorney bar exam results in the fall of 2022. 
  • Written and oral Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
  • Ability to manage a docket of detained removal defense cases.
  • Strong trial advocacy skills preferred.
  • It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       


 

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants 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. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 


 

How to Apply:?  

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/1159989/Capital-Area-Immigrants-Rights-Coalition/Staff-Attorney-Detained-Adult-Program 

Staff Attorney, Detained Children's Program

 

Who We Are 

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region.  

The Detained Children’s Program provides legal orientation and screening to detained migrant children in the Maryland and Virginia region. We also offer free legal services to children released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody to the greater Washington/DC Baltimore region. 


 

Our Work Environment 

CAIR Coalition’s Detained Children’s Program (DUCs) is a highly collaborative work environment. We are committed to providing high-quality, trauma-informed legal and social services and a culture of professional growth and support for staff. Although aspects of our work are completed in smaller teams, we work towards integrated and client-focused services across the program by embracing interconnectivity. We strive to create systems that provide structure while fostering innovation and adaptability. Supervisors in our program share a commitment to teaching, mentorship, and work life balance. 

We center impacted people in our advocacy and media. We embrace the movement in our work while also staying focused on the practicalities we trained for, as well as where we are most useful in this movement. We grow our reach and skill set when resources permit and there is passion. We do not limit our push or dreams for this world based on the limits we know but try to imagine how to navigate around them. 

We value our brain trust and are constantly finding ways to ensure that we maintain and grow, in ways that acknowledge those with expertise but also set new advocates for success. 


 

Position Summary 

A Staff Attorney in the Detained Children’s Program works collaboratively with staff and leadership to:  

  • provide high-quality, culturally competent direct legal services to detained and released unaccompanied immigrant children,  
  • coordinate and carry out visits to detention centers for the purpose of conducting legal intakes and Know Your Rights presentations to detained children,  
  • mentor pro bono attorneys providing legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children,  
  • contribute to the success of the program, building a culture of collaboration and learning, and 
  • promote a team culture of equity and inclusion. 

General Duties and Responsibilities [1]  

Representation: 

  • Manage a caseload, with supervision, of direct legal representation of detained and released clients in removal proceedings before local state and immigration courts and USCIS in the following types of cases: Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Protection under the Convention against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U-Visas, and T-Visas. 
  • Participate in client intake and follow-up to determine eligibility for legal relief, facilitation of case placement with in-house or pro bono attorneys, and social services referrals. 
  • Remain abreast of new developments in the law by actively participating in legal trainings, reviewing written resources, and conducting legal research. 
  • Supervise legal assistants and interns on aspects of their work. 
  • Mentor pro bono attorneys from area law firms handling immigration cases, as needed. 
  • Handle own administrative tasks for casework (e.g., preparation and submission of filings, file maintenance, and recordkeeping). 

Organizational Services: 

  • Participate in regular facility visits for the purpose of conducting legal intakes and know your rights (KYR) presentations for detained children. 
  • Ensure the timely and accurate entry of case information into shared databases. 
  • Assist other program staff in completion of their workload during high-work/low- bandwidth periods. 
  • Participate in stakeholder relationship activities, including meetings with community groups, government agencies, and other legal service providers 
  • Engage with internal CAIR Coalition committees and working groups to participate in the growth and strategy of the organization. 

[1] This list is illustrative and not intended to be a complete classification of all job functions or tasks. 


 

Additional Role-Specific Details:  

Position Type 

Full-time, Exempt 

Reports To 

Assigned Senior or Managing Attorney 

Hiring Timeline 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

Salary [2] 

$61,500- $82,000 

[2] In 2018 CAIR Coalition implemented a compensation framework to be more straightforward, transparent, and provide assurance of internal equity. The compensation model we use is based on an individual's position and years of relevant work experience to avoid salary discrepancies and to reduce the risk of racial, gender, or other forms of bias affecting a candidate's salary. 

Location and/or Travel Requirements 

This position will be based at the Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, M.D. Office. Due to business related travel expectations, it is recommended candidates live within 30-miles of their assigned primary office.  

Telework 

CAIR Coalition operates a hybrid work environment. Most staff are required to work at least one day per week in-office, but some roles require more office/on-site attendance or travel. 

COVID-19 Vaccination:  

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. To be fully vaccinated means having completed the full dosages required for the type of vaccine obtained as designated by the CDC. If boosters are subsequently recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then employees will be required to receive the booster within thirty (30) days of their eligibility to access the boosters. 


 

Benefits  

CAIR coalition’s benefits package includes:  

  • Free gym access located in Washington, D.C or Baltimore, MD (dependent on employee’s primary office) 
  • Flexible working hours after successful completion of trainings and with approval of supervisor 
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits for those living in the DMV 
  • Subsidized health, dental insurance, and vision insurance (CAIR Coalition pays a very high rate of the insurance package, for which we can provide additional information) 
  • An annual data reimbursement of $300 
  • life insurance valued at $50,000, as well as long and short term disability 
  • the option to set up a Flexible Spending Account  
  • the option to set up a 403(b) account (the equivalent of a 401(k) account for non-profits) which the organization has the option, for all employees on an annual basis, to match at a certain percentage after one year of continuous employment 

Paid time off includes:  

  • 23 personal days per calendar year 
  • Up to 20 days of sick time per calendar year 
  • 7 hours of volunteer time off 
  • Federal holidays 
  • Winter break closure 
  • 12 weeks of parental leave  

Requirements

Competencies Required: 

Legal Proficiency 

The Staff Attorney demonstrates a developing understanding of legal concepts at a level that allows them to provide client-centered services to clients with moderate supervision. The Staff Attorney clearly and skillfully employs the law in written and oral presentations with limited input from supervisors. The Staff Attorney is working towards self-sufficiency in hearings, interviews, and legal research and writing. 


 

Client and Programmatic Proficiency 

The Staff Attorney satisfactorily handles all required programmatic obligations (including KYRs, legal intakes, follow-up interviewing, case placement, and direct representation services) with limited supervision. The Staff Attorney manages their in-house and pro bono mentoring caseload to allow for appropriate prioritization and thoughtful use of time and resources. The Staff Attorney demonstrates a growing understanding of cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. The Staff Attorney demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making skills and identifies when issues must be elevated to a supervisor. 


 

Administrative 

The Staff Attorney ensures that all administrative aspects of their position are carried out with minimal managerial support, including timekeeping, file maintenance, and database entries. 


 

Qualifications Required: 

  • JD and 0-3 years relevant experience in immigration law (family law experience helpful but not required) 
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Maryland or Virginia, eligible to waive into the Maryland or Virginia bar, or willing to sit for the next scheduled bar exam 
  • Written and oral Spanish professional proficiency required; fluency preferred 
  • It is expected that the candidate will need to travel for work-related business. As a result, the candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable operating a vehicle upon hiring. This role requires travel, but qualified individuals with disabilities may be accommodated in a reasonable manner under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • Favorable results on background check including driving record, Child Protection Registry, and state and federal criminal records 
  • Ability to work remotely temporarily but fulfill job responsibilities in-person as required. 

At CAIR Coalition, we embrace the fact that talented individuals come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to our success. CAIR Coalition values your unique perspectives, skills, and potential, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth and development. If you are passionate about CAIR Coalition's mission and are excited to contribute your talents to our team, we encourage you to submit your application.  Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at HR@caircoalition.org.       


 

EEO Statement 

Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates.  CAIR Coalition prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants 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. CAIR Coalition conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our Anti-Racism Statement: 

https://www.caircoalition.org/cair-coalitions-statement-becoming-anti-racist-organization 


 

How to Apply:?  

Submit your resume, a cover letter that explains your interest in this role, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/1549614/Capital-Area-Immigrants-Rights-Coalition/Staff-Attorney-Detained-Childrens-Program 

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