Staff Attorney

Company: Harvard University

Job Location: Cambridge, 02138

Category: Legal Affairs

Type: Full-Time

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School? Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you'll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Harvard Representation Initiative (HRI) provides pro bono legal consultations, representation, and social work support to members of the Harvard community whose immigration status is at risk. Our website provides further information - https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org/hri/. HRI is under the umbrella of the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program - https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org/.

The staff attorney position will be responsible for conducting individualized legal consultations and representation, as well as outreach and Know-Your-Rights (KYR) presentations, for Harvard community members who have concerns about their immigration status. The attorney will provide rapid response representation, including deportation defense and the filing of federal lawsuits.

As a Staff Attorney, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Liaising with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies, as necessary;
• Representing Harvard community members before administrative agencies, tribunals and federal courts, on a range of immigration-related issues, including but not limited to: Advocacy with CBP concerning international travel; Waivers filed with the State Department and U.S. consulates; Applications for bond and representation in removal proceedings; Stays of removal and parole requests with ICE; Habeas and mandamus petitions, temporary restraining orders, among other district court filings; Petitions and applications before USCIS and EOIR, including adjustment of status and asylum and other humanitarian protections;
• Drafting and keeping FAQ and KYR documents up-to-date for international students and staff at Harvard;
• Covering the on-call emergency line; and
• Attending meetings in the community, including with the local immigration coalition and American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications JD, admission to a state bar (with eligibility to obtain MA Bar), and 3 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills We are looking for people who have: Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and organizational skills. Demonstrated success in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment. Experience engaging with CBP and ICE, and in district court litigation is an asset. Experience in non-immigrant and employment-based visas and fluency in a second language, strongly desired. Familiarity with Cerenade or other similar case management system, a plus.

Additional Information Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-Time. Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Certification/License. Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States. Salary Grade and Ranges: This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range. Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical insurance, retirement plans, and more. Please visit Benefits & Wellbeing Page for details. EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement: Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.