Position Summary
MIA seeks a full-time Staff Attorney in its Memphis office for work with detained and released unaccompanied children (UC). The attorney will represent selected clients housed by ORR in a transitional foster care (TFC) program in Nashville, as well as children and adolescents released by ORR into the Mid-South (Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Mississippi). (The Immigration Court is located in Memphis). The attorney will work closely with legal and social services staff in MIA’s Memphis and Nashville offices, and will be supervised by MIA’s Memphis-based Children’s Project Supervising Attorney.
Responsibilities and Duties
•Provide direct legal services to children and adolescents seeking asylum, Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS), and other forms of relief from removal in the Memphis Immigration Court, USCIS, and regional probate and juvenile courts;
•Communicate regularly with TFC/shelter program staff regarding the status of unaccompanied children (UCs);
•Coordinate referrals of UC cases to other legal service providers around the United States;
•Place cases with pro bono attorneys in Tennessee, and build relationships between MIA and potential pro bono volunteers;
•Provide regular reports and data on cases and statistics for quality control and grant reporting purposes;
•Conduct occasional legal orientation presentations for custodians (LOPC) of UCs at locations in Arkansas, West Tennessee, and North Mississippi;
•Meet and screen potential UC clients for all potential and available immigration benefits, including adjustment of status, asylum, withholding of removal, U nonimmigrant status, and/or SIJS;
•Oversee “Know Your Rights” presentations at facility for children and adolescents housed in ORR facilities in Nashville;
•As needed, supervise work of interns, legal assistants, volunteers, and other non-attorney staff;
•Track time for work done on cases or projects.
•Attend mandatory training and conference calls related to UC work and representation.
Education & Skills
•Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university;
•Admission to any state bar (Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi preferred);
•Prior experience and/or coursework in immigration law and procedure preferred;
•Spanish fluency or high proficiency strongly preferred;
•Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy, computer, and organizational skills;
•Ability to work effectively with a diverse community, including children and families;
•Experience working with children, immigrants or refugees, and survivors of violence and/or torture preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
Position will be based at MIA’s Memphis office. Salary range $51,000 – 53,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. MIA offers health insurance, disability insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off and holidays.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your resume with a cover letter to by June 24, 2022. A criminal background check and verification of references will be required before acceptance of the final offer. MIA is an equal opportunity employer.
