About KIND
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. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.
Essential Functions
* Provides both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients.
* In the pro bono mentoring function, provides robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case.
* In the direct representation function, performs ordinary functions of legal counsel including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducts client interviews; appears before immigration and/or state courts or agencies, and drafts and files court pleadings and applications for benefits.
* Supervises staff attorneys, fellows, supervising paralegals, senior paralegals, or other non-attorney staff as needed, including onboarding, legal skills training, and case technical assistance, daily support, and coaching conducting regular check-ins and performance evaluations, reviews work products, case audits, and provides consistent and effective feedback and oversight to ensure high-quality legal work.
* Places cases with pro bono attorneys, and provides ongoing expert mentoring, training, and technical assistance in individual and group settings.
* Engages in outreach to foster and expand relationships with community stakeholders and pro bono partners including law firm and in-house corporate counsel; provides expert contribution and oversight in the development of guidance materials and samples.
* Contributes to overall office functioning, including actively participating in the field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, field office and KIND-wide committees, and providing leadership in-office events.
* Oversees data management, ensuring data integrity through regular case audits, technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems, and oversight of data upkeep and accuracy by supervisees.
* In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team as well as the Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships, as needed, develops local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. Assists with development and conducting of local and national KIND training for both staff and external partners and stakeholders.
* In collaboration with Legal Programs Management, and in coordination with other organizational departments such as Development and Finance, assists in developing and implementing grant and contract-funded programming, including monitoring performance against grant and contract commitments.
* Collaborates with other KIND departments on specific projects and initiatives as needed, including KIND’s Policy, Advocacy, Communications, and Regional departments.
* Represents KIND at local stakeholder meetings, trainings, conferences, and events.
* Participates in and leads local and national KIND meetings, committees, retreats, and events.
* Provides leadership and oversight in ensuring overall field office functioning and developing KIND’s legal services program at large.
Qualifications and Requirements
* J.D. and admitted to local state bar.
* 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 4 years 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 3 years of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
* Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers.
* Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff if the position requires supervision. For non-supervisory senior attorneys, a minimum of 2 years demonstrating proven legal expertise or exemplary skills in managing complex legal projects.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
* Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in 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 premium for one of the medical plan options, plus dental and vision.
* Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for 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.
* For a complete list of benefits, please note the benefits section on KIND’s careers page.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application and your resume and cover letter. See KIND’s careers page for the application link and instructions. Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit KIND’s employment practices page.
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