Staff Attorney

Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project

. Provide pro se assistance and/or direct representation to individuals in ICE custody in Florence and Eloy, Arizona, including individuals found incompetent .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesLead💰 $70,907 - $93,108 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong legal research, litigation, and oral advocacy skills while providing pro se assistance and representation to individuals in immigration matters. Maintains high ethical standards and effective communication in a collaborative, client-centered environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

J.D. And Admission To Any State BarStrong Litigation ExperienceFluency Or Advanced Proficiency In SpanishStrong Legal Research SkillsEffective Verbal And Written Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationPro Se RepresentationWriting Pro Se MotionsCourt CounselingCase ManagementClient AdvocacyAsylum LawImmigration LawAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsAdaptabilityCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Basic Office ApplicationsCase Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Admission To Any State BarArizona Lawyer Apprentice Program Eligibility

Industry Keywords

Immigration CourtBoard Of Immigration AppealsUSCISFIRRPEOIRICECommunity OrganizationsIndigent Immigrant ClientsCriminal LawCivil Law

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide pro se assistance and/or direct representation to individuals in ICE custody in Florence and Eloy, Arizona, including individuals found incompetent
Conduct intake interviews, formal intakes, and group or individual court counseling and preparation sessions
Provide group “Know Your Rights” presentations and pro se workshops
Educate individuals on self-representation and prepare pro se materials
Conduct legal research to determine eligibility
Write pro se motions and briefs for Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and/or USCIS
Review court files, organize supporting evidence, review relief applications, and prepare clients for court
Represent clients in bond and merits proceedings before the Immigration Court, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and matters before USCIS
Handle relief matters including cancellation of removal, asylum/withholding/CAT, adjustment of status, citizenship, T and U visas, and VAWA claims
Support litigation before United States District Courts or Courts of Appeals as needed
Refer cases to pro bono, social services, and advocacy teams
Attend mandatory training, CLEs, and other training; remain current in immigration, criminal, and civil law
Maintain accurate case notes, client records, statistical reports, organized files, and case audits
Follow cybersecurity and compliance requirements; track hours, data, and mileage
Attend FIRRP staff and joint case review meetings
Participate in stakeholder meetings with EOIR, ICE, and/or CCA officials
Speak on behalf of FIRRP at media events, panels, conferences, calls, student or funder visits, and community groups when requested
Participate in advocacy, fundraising, outreach, special projects, and presentations
Develop cooperative relationships with immigration attorneys, public officials, law enforcement, nonprofits, EOIR, ICE, USCIS, government, social service, and community organizations
Communicate with the Legal Director regarding advocacy initiatives and community legal training
Remain flexible to support other programs, including Children’s Legal Program, Advocacy Team, pro se work, direct representation, and trafficking work
Perform other duties as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D. and admission to any state bar
Alternatively, law school graduates who have taken the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and achieved a score of 260-269 may apply, with commitment to pursue admission to the Arizona State Bar through the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP)
For ALAP eligibility: graduate from an ABA-accredited law school; achieve a score of 260-269 on the UBE administered after July 1, 2023; meet all other Arizona admission requirements, including a thorough background check; secure qualifying employment and commit to supervised practice for a minimum of two years
Commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way
Zealous support for the Florence Project’s mission
Comfortable working with people with criminal convictions
Strong litigation experience and/or oral advocacy skills
Strong legal research skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations
Effective verbal and written communication
Highly organized, innovative thinker, and able to work in high-volume settings with limited resources
Excellent problem-solving, research, and analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client-centered environment
Ability to work independently and remain adaptable and reliable amid conflict, pressure, crisis, or changing priorities
High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality
Must pass federal and state background checks
Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required
Travel required
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Proven computer skills and advanced understanding of basic office applications

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical plans including health, dental, vision coverage, subject to plan terms
Short Term Disability
Eligibility for group benefits such as voluntary life insurance, subject to applicable waiting periods
Retirement plan, subject to plan terms
Paid Time Off earned on a biweekly accrual basis
Twenty-five (25) Days of Vacation Time, annually
Five (5) Days of Medical/Sick Time, annually
One (1) Day of Personal Time, monthly
Eight (8) Week Paid Sabbatical, after three years of employment
Bereavement leave
Fifteen (15) Organization-paid holidays, all observed
Eligible for Parental Leave which includes Twelve (13) paid weeks
Mileage reimbursement for travel between offices and places of work
Relocation Assistance for out of state new hires available for some positions
Eligibility for membership in the union Proyecto Solidaridad-FIRRP affiliated with OPEIU Local 251