Term-Limited Senior Staff Attorney

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Innovation Law Lab (Law Lab) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leverages technology, law, and organizing to fight for immigrant and refugee justice.

JOB SUMMARY

This is a term-limited position, with a possibility of renewal. The desired start date is August 1, 2026 and the anticipated end date is December 31, 2026. The work may be done remotely or in-person in our Portland, Oregon office. If a renewal is offered, different terms and conditions may apply.

Senior Staff Attorneys at Innovation Law Lab are responsible for driving multiple specific objectives within Innovation Law Lab's diverse portfolio of work. Senior Staff Attorneys are part of an in-house counsel team that employs creative legal and advocacy strategies to directly challenge barriers to asylum access, prototype new inclusive systems and policy work, provide legal representation and combat injustices in the immigration legal system, and advocate for detained individuals while working to shut down immigration prisons.

Senior Staff Attorneys are expected to be self-motivated, professional, creative, and interested in contributing to a diverse array of goals, objectives, projects and programs that leverage law, technology and organizing to advance immigrant and refugee justice. A Senior Staff Attorney should be ready to wear many hats, consistently support team members with numerous projects, take initiative and communicate proactively, work independently, and play an active role in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. Senior Staff Attorneys report to our Legal Director or Associate Legal Directors.

For this recruitment, we are looking to fill one position; if the attorney is based in Portland, Oregon, the position will work from the Portland office. Hybrid arrangements may be considered depending on business needs and the incumbent's circumstances.

The Senior Staff Attorney should be prepared to provide support across Law Lab's legal program. This particular role is focused primarily on supporting Innovation Law Lab's role as the Clearinghouse for the Equity Corps of Oregon, the state's universal representation program for immigrants who cannot afford private counsel. Responsibilities may include providing technical support to attorneys providing direct representation in the program, including members of the private bar, pro bonos, and attorney fellows; developing and leading new attorney and staff trainings; coordinating and reviewing program navigations; evaluating cases to determine the best defensive or affirmative relief strategies; conducting legal intake (can occur remotely); mentoring fellow attorneys; working with policymakers to enact inclusive state policies; developing creative litigation and legal advocacy; and using selective direct representation and other legal advocacy to advance LL's mission.

This is a union position; terms of employment are governed by collective bargaining agreement where applicable.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with staff in creating and analyzing legal strategies; personalizing case interventions/actions; and contributing to the development of best practices at the intersection of technology and the law.
• Support colleagues and legal advocates at partner organizations with case development and strategy for defensive and affirmative immigration cases before EOIR and USCIS.
• Develop materials to train and aid staff, pro bono attorneys, legal fellows, clients, and pro se respondents as they endeavor to navigate the complex immigration system.
• Provide technical assistance on immigration-related issues to attorneys in the Equity Corps network and also to coalitions, community partners, government officials, and government bodies.
• Engage in policy research and assist in drafting policy reports and recommendations.
• Support collaborating team members in their work, ensuring focus and wise use of resources within project objectives.
• Ensure objectives, tasks and projects are completed on time and are efficiently managed.
• Contribute to an inspiring team environment.
• Participate in and lead committee and partner meetings, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The following are the minimum levels required to successfully perform the essential job duties and responsibilities.

• JD degree and admission to the bar.
• At least five years of relevant work experience practicing immigration law, litigating in federal or state court, and/or engaging in immigration policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice.
• Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational and time management skills.
• Well-organized, efficient, highly self-motivated, able to work well under pressure, and able to work independently and as part of a both in-office and remote team.
• Must maintain professional demeanor and excellent work ethic at all times.
• Knowledge of BIA and Immigration Court procedures.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including low-income populations, people who are marginally housed, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color and/or persons with disabilities.
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish is required.