Join our immigration law team

Immigration Attorney

Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) seeks an attorney with immigration law experience to join its vibrant immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (MSLC) in Lexington. The Immigration Staff Attorney will engage in:

• Immigration application assistance:  a variety of immigration applications including citizenship, family petitions, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Will also take on U and T visa cases to assist victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes.

• Outreach and education:  provision of clear, reliable information to practitioners, the public and immigrant community about immigration and immigration law

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Provide legal counsel and representation for clients in a variety of immigration matters

• Prepare cases for submission to the federal agency issuing immigration benefits

• Occasionally represent juveniles before family and probate court for matters ancillary to immigration legal work (when licensed to practice law in Kentucky)

• Conduct public education and outreach on immigration law and forms of relief available

• Collaborate with local community organizations and partners

• Competently manage cases, including use of our immigration law case management system

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files

• Keep up-to-date records needed for reporting

• Participate in grant compliance, reporting, and fundraising

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor with bar membership in Kentucky. We will consider candidates qualified to be admitted by waiver or with potential to become licensed within six months of hire, including May 2024 law graduates.

Additional Qualifications

The ideal candidate also will demonstrate:

• A high level of proficiency in English and Spanish (preferred), although experience with or ability to work with interpreters also considered.

• Knowledge of, and experience in, working with people who are foreign-born representing different cultures and economic backgrounds

• Ability to manage a client caseload for immigration legal benefits

• Ability to work well independently and in a small team of immigration attorneys, legal assistants, students, and volunteers

Location

Maxwell Street Legal Clinic is located in Lexington, KY, near the University of Kentucky campus.

Salary and Benefits Salary based on experience and our salary scale.  Illustrative examples:  $49,236 starting salary for law grad, $53,090 at two years, $62,608 at 10 years. Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life, and disability coverage. Optional vision coverage at employee expense. 

KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state and county employee plans.  We offer three weeks of paid annual leave to start. Employees accumulate three weeks of paid sick leave each year. 

For those relocating from out of state, KEJC will cover up to $1,200 in moving expenses.  KEJC will cover bar application fees for those who need to become licensed in Kentucky.

Starting Date:  As soon as possible (licensed applicants) or after graduation (May 2024 grads).

Application Instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and a list of three references to:  

Allison Hight, Program Director

ahight@kyequaljustice.org 

Please put “MSLC Immigration Attorney” in the subject line of your email.  Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  No phone calls please.  References should include email address and phone number. 

Application Deadline:  Open until filled.

For more information  

Contact Allison Hight, Program Director, Maxwell Street Legal Clinic.  Email:  ahight@kyequaljustice.org. Phone: 859-233-3840.

Diversity Statement

KEJC welcomes your application. Employees shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, ancestry, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, limited English proficiency, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status and all other categories provided nondiscriminatory treatment by law, statute, or ordinance.