Temporary Staff Attorney, Fresno, CA

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. The Staff Attorney will provide expert legal services, including direct representation and mentoring to pro bono attorneys, while supervising non-attorney staff as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients
• In the pro bono mentoring function, provide robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case
• In the direct representation function, perform ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration and/or state courts or agencies; and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for benefits
• Supervise interns and/or other non-attorney staff as needed including: Onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight
• Place cases with pro bono attorneys and actively build relationships between KIND and the pro bono community
• In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team and the local field office Senior Attorney/s, as needed, help develop pro bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. With supervision, present trainings to pro bono attorneys and community groups
• Contribute to overall office functioning, including actively participating in field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems
• Represent KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies

Skills

• J.D. and admitted to the local state bar (If not admitted to local state bar, must sit for bar exam or start waiver to be admitted within 6 months and be able to be admitted within one year of employment)
• Fluent in English and Spanish (required for direct communication with the children we serve and their caregivers, the majority of whom are Spanish-speaking)
• Minimum of 1 year of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers if the majority of the caseload is working directly with pro bono attorneys
• Strong communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment preferred but not required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the three medical plan options, dental, and vision.
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.
• Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.

Company Overview