Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada seeks a creative and highly experienced Directing Attorney to head its Immigration Advocacy Project. Most of Legal Aid Center’s clients seeking immigration assistance are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking or children who are abused or abandoned. Our office also steps in to help when there is a humanitarian crisis and is currently assisting over 100 Afghans who fled the Taliban to ensure they can remain in the United States. Most of our practice involves VAWA, U visas, SIJ, asylum, as well as AOS, DACA, renewals, and naturalization. Our attorneys file documents in both state court and immigration court and can seek both affirmative requests for relief and defensive cases to prevent deportation. Our attorneys also teach weekly immigration classes and provide free brief consultations to those seeking immigration relief so as to spread reliable information throughout the community for those who cannot afford a lawyer and could fall victim to notaries. The Directing Attorneys leads and manages all aspects of Legal Aid Center’s immigration practice, including supervising a team of 5 attorneys, 3 advocates, and 3 support staff, as well as law students, dedicated to providing high-quality representation.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished immigration practitioner with at least ten years of experience, a proven track record of leadership and program development, and a true passion for justice.  In this role, the selected attorney will have the opportunity to identify and oversee case selection as well as to create, implement, and oversee new and innovative legal service delivery models and programs.  The attorney will be on the forefront of emerging issues, guiding our assistance to the community, responding to media inquiries, and assisting with any immigration related legislation pending in our State. The candidate will also be able to train and coach newer attorneys and the many law students who volunteer in our office.  

Reporting to and working with the Executive Director, this position focuses on establishing, and implementing the programmatic vision for the organization’s legal work, recognizing the various and inter-related tools a quality, impactful legal nonprofit must employ: meaningful community engagement, client counseling, litigation, policy advocacy, and media engagement. In collaboration with the HR Director, the Director will maintain and enhance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) culture and promote cultural competency among staff. The leader will inspire and enhance an organizational culture that values collaboration, transparency, respect, trust and accountability.

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Current Bar membership in good standing to practice law in any state (Applicants can receive reciprocity while working at Legal Aid Center)
• 10+ immigration experience and management experience preferred.
• A genuine passion and deep commitment for the mission of Legal Aid Center.
• Clearly stated vision for the delivery of legal services, leadership and mentoring of legal staff, and collaborative communications.
• Demonstrated experience developing effective legal strategies and delivering results, establishing realistic objectives, and evaluating progress.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to motivate, advise, coach, and give constructive feedback to staff at all levels.
• Significant experience effectively using current technology and remote communications to supervise.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Experience advocating for policy reform at the state and/or local level.
• Demonstrated skills in managing, leading, and motivating a high-performing legal team