Staff Attorney; Legal Immigration

Job Summary

The Staff Attorney (Legal Immigration) serves in a leadership role at the forefront of direct legal representation for low‑income clients living with or affected by HIV. This position provides comprehensive immigration legal services, including advocacy, application support, and representation before USCIS, EOIR, and BIA. The Staff Attorney plays a critical role in ensuring access to justice by delivering trauma‑informed, culturally competent legal support tailored to the unique needs of GMHC’s client population.

The Staff Attorney is part of a fully integrated model of care that centers client autonomy, encourages cross‑departmental collaboration, and affirms the dignity and rights of individuals living with or affected by HIV.

• Conduct comprehensive legal needs assessments at intake and reassess clients regularly to identify evolving legal needs or additional service needs (e.g., related to social determinants of health).
• Provide direct immigration legal services, including:
• Know Your Rights presentations and legal education.
• Pro‑se assistance on straightforward and complex cases.
• Legal counsel and case strategy development.
• Full legal representation before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA in matters including, but not limited to: asylum, employment authorizations, naturalization, adjustments of status, VAWA petitions, TPS, deferred action, U and T visas, family‑based petitions, and inadmissibility waivers.
• Provide client‑centered legal referrals and follow‑up support to ensure continuity of care and access to appropriate services.

• Deliver legal education and outreach presentations to clients and community members to enhance awareness of available legal services and immigrant rights.
• Collaborate with community‑based health and human service providers to offer technical assistance, training, and timely referrals for immigrant clients and those affected by HIV.
• Support walk‑in clients and help manage the immigration appointments calendar, ensuring timely follow‑up and scheduling coordination.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of client services, legal outcomes, and progress notes using internal databases and dashboards.
• Ensure all client documentation meets funder and audit requirements and support internal data quality and validation efforts.
• Assist with preparing monthly and ad hoc reports to meet program deliverables and track outcomes.
• Monitor contract compliance by ensuring that all client charts are complete and contain required documentation in accordance with audit and funder standards.
• Ensure the Department remains audit‑ready through consistent documentation practices and adherence to compliance protocols.
• Participate in funder site visits, audits, and program evaluations.

• Under the guidance of departmental leadership, assist in the supervision and mentoring of paralegal staff, interns, and fellows to support high‑quality, holistic legal services.
• Provide consultation to peers and legal team members on case matters and evolving immigration law developments.
• Collaborate with legal and non‑legal staff to address systemic issues affecting GMHC’s client population and contribute to policy discussions and strategic solutions.

• A minimum of two to three (2–3) years of experience practicing immigration law, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights and protections of vulnerable populations.
• Strong knowledge of immigration law, legal procedures, and case strategy, particularly in humanitarian and family‑based petitions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage a dynamic caseload independently, while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated cultural competency in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, low‑income communities, immigrants, racial minorities, and people living with…