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Job Description
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
Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
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Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.