Reports To: Legal Director
About the Organization
The International Institute of Wisconsin is a nonprofit refugee resettlement and legal services organization committed to advancing immigrant rights and providing high-quality legal representation to underserved immigrant communities. We focus on humanitarian and family-based immigration relief, including asylum, Special Immigrant Visas, DACA, and family petitions.
Position Summary
The DOJ-Accredited Representative will provide direct legal assistance to low-income immigrants in humanitarian and family-based immigration matters. Working under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the Representative will manage a diverse caseload, conduct community outreach, and participate in education initiatives. The ideal candidate is passionate about immigrant justice and capable of handling a high volume of cases while maintaining attention to detail and cultural sensitivity.
Key Responsibilities
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- Provide full-scope legal representation to clients in immigration matters, with a focus on:
1. Affirmative asylum applications
2. Family-based immigration petitions (I-130, I-485, consular processing)
3. Humanitarian relief (TPS, SIV, SIJS)
4. Naturalization
5. DACA renewal applications - Prepare and file immigration forms and supporting documentation with USCIS.
- Conduct client intake, interviews, and legal screenings to assess immigration relief eligibility.
- Represent clients before USCIS.
- Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in the case management system.
- Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in immigration law and policy.
- Participate in community education workshops, legal clinics, and outreach events.
- Supervise or support volunteers, interns, or other legal assistants, as appropriate
- Collaborate with partner organizations and community groups to support client needs.
- Provide full-scope legal representation to clients in immigration matters, with a focus on:
Qualification
- Required
- DOJ Accreditation (partial or full) under the Recognition & Accreditation (R&A) Program
- At least 1 year of experience providing immigration legal services
- Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and public interest work
- Proficiency in preparing and filing applications with USCIS
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations
- Proficiency in English; fluency in Spanish or another relevant language strongly preferred
- Preferred:
- Experience representing clients in removal proceedings
- Experience working with trauma survivors, unaccompanied minors, or survivors of domestic violence
- Familiarity with case management systems
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $45,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive and mission-driven work environment
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Abby Phillips Cole at aphillips@iiwisconsin.org. Please put “Application: Immigration Specialist"” in the subject line.