CFI Legal Fellow

POSITION OVERVIEW: This fellowship funds a one-year position, to begin as soon as possible, to join and support the Detained Deportation Defense Program. The Fellow will be responsible for working to both prepare and represent asylum seekers before the Asylum Office and in Immigration Court and will specifically support clients in expedited removal in light of the US governments proposed dramatic increase of its use.

• Challenge the rapid deportations of people in expedited removal in the El Paso ICE jurisdiction through credible fear interview preparation, negative fear review hearings with immigration judges, requests for reconsideration before the asylum office, and other creative strategies.
• Supervise and mentor pro-bono attorneys, law students, and other volunteers conducting intakes and preparing clients for their credible fear interviews.
• Under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney and Director of Advocacy and Legal Services, provide other legal representation for people in detention through representation in removal proceedings, bond, and parole cases, and occasionally with cases in front of the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Work with other members of the Detained Deportation Defense Program Staff to provide support to clients who were recently released from detention.
• Develop materials to train and aid staff, pro-bono attorneys, clients, and pro se respondents as they endeavor to navigate the complex immigration system.
• Working with legal staff and partner organizations and members of the private bar to develop creative strategies to challenge expanded use of expedited removal and serious due process problems in expedited removal system and contributing to the best practices of immigration law in the 10th and 5th Circuit.
• Remain informed of the rapidly changing immigration laws and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctorate degree with membership in good standing in the bar of any state and/or the District of Columbia;
• Bilingual, English and Spanish;
• Well-organized, efficient, highly motivated, able to work well under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time management skills;
• Must maintain professional demeanor and excellent work ethics at all times;
• Demonstrated passion for social justice for immigrants;
• Proficiency with computers, common office equipment, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace; and
• Working vehicle for transportation purposes

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience practicing immigration law, including removal defense work before the immigration court;
• Knowledge of asylum law and Immigration Court and BIA procedures;
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including low income populations, people who are marginally housed, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people of color and/or persons with disabilities;
• Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma;
• Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants;
• Direct services experience.