Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

About KIND:
Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Since 2008, KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.
KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.
To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.
KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.
Position Summary:
KIND seeks a Staff Attorney to provide expert legal services to detained unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation as well as pro bono facilitation, including robust consultation, training, and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted KIND cases. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-attorney staff.
Essential Functions:

• Undertake direct representation of detained children in immigration removal proceedings and continue representation once children are released or transferred to another ORR or adult facility locally, as needed;
• Monitor daily arrivals, transfers, and discharges of children housed in ORR facilities in relevant jurisdiction(s);
• Oversee the timely and high-quality provision of legal orientation presentations and intakes of children upon arrival at ORR shelters;
• Liaise with shelter staff and other stakeholders as needed to maximize efficient and effective services to detained children;
• Review intakes by detained team and make determination regarding eligibility for immigration relief;
• Oversee or conduct drafting of eligibility letters for children to be transferred outside of relevant jurisdiction(s) for long term foster care determinations;
• Oversee or conduct assembly of court packages as needed, dependent on Immigration Court practices in local jurisdiction;
• Oversee or conduct completion of program reports, as needed, for partners and other stakeholders;
• Maintain ORR and other stakeholder relations;
• Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems;
• Provide mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys, including robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case;
• Contribute to overall office functioning, including joining field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, participating in field office and KIND-wide committees, and assisting with office events; and
• Represent KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• J.D. and admitted to local state bar.
• At least 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.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers if majority of caseload is working directly with pro bono attorneys.
• Advanced fluency in Spanish language if majority of caseload is working directly with clients; otherwise, Spanish-speaking preferred.
• Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.

KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.
Salary range: $67,440 - $84,300 dependent on experience
Application Instructions:
Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role.
KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Multiple Locations