Managing Attorney

#ILS-034 - Managing Attorney

Department: Immigration Legal Services

Employment Type: Full Time; Exempt

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Location: SE Portland

Compensation: $100,000 - $110,000 annually

At CCO We Take Care of Our People:

• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision plan

• 100% employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.

• Paid vacation, sick, personal and 13 paid holidays plus additional holiday pay for Agency closure Christmas through New Year’s.

• Retirement benefit with employer match and discretionary contribution.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Catholic Charities of Oregon employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness government-sponsored education loan repayment program.

Our Culture:

We are proud of our healthy work culture at Catholic Charities of Oregon. We care for our employees so they can take care of others. Our approach includes everything from support for continued training and education to a strong focus on allowing each employee to own their job and become a thought leader in their area of service. Together, we work to make a concrete, hands-on difference in our community. 

Who You Are:

The Managing Attorney will manage the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program for Catholic Charities of Oregon.  They will lead the overall operations, providing strategic guidance, case review, and mentorship to a team of attorneys, Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives, and support staff, while maintaining a caseload of their own.  The Managing Attorney will balance direct client representation with critical leadership and administrative responsibilities such as budget management, grant reporting, community outreach.  They will be a critical member of CCO’s Leadership Team.  This position demands deep knowledge of immigration regulations and staff mentorship.

What You Will Work On:

• Manage the daily operations of a non-profit immigration legal services department.

• Lead, train, and mentor staff attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives, legal assistants, and support staff.

• Maintain overall responsibility for volunteers and interns within the ILS department. Includes managing the recruitment, onboarding and supervision of interns, volunteers, pro bono attorneys, and SPPE candidates. 

• Supervise the casework of attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives.  Conduct routine case file reviews and ensure compliance with the American Bar Association and Oregon state bar standards.  Ensure all assigned services are provided in accordance with applicable state and local regulatory requirements and CCO organizational policies. 

• Assign caseloads, ensuring equitable balance amongst staff.  Review legal filings before submission.  Oversee peer and case review processes.

• Manage and represent a small targeted caseload of complex cases (e.g., asylum, removal defense, U Visas, VAWA) before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).   

• In partnership with the Chief Operating Office, and in collaboration with the Leadership Team, develops, implements, and oversees the long-term vision, goals, and operational strategies for the department, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives. 

• Works with the Development team to obtain critical funding for the program including government contracts, grants and private donations. 

• Conduct on-going assessment of program needs; develop and implement systems for casework procedures, case load standards, tracking, and quality assurance review. 

• Develop, implement, and ensure ongoing maintenance and compliance with department policies and procedures, manage programmatic budgets, and ensure adherence to grant deliverables.

• Ensure program confidentiality standards are upheld, consistent with the requirements of attorney-client privilege, including duty to report standards. 

• Represent the organization in coalitions, coordinate pro bono projects, and conduct community legal education related to immigration law and policy.

• Ensure services provided by ILS are integrated with other Catholic Charities programs. 

• Participate in trainings and meetings as requested.

• Adherence to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring:

Education, Certifications, and Licensure Requirements/Preferences

• JD degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in any U.S. state. 

Experience Requirements/Preferences

• Five years experience in the practice of immigration law; humanitarian and family-based immigration law experience strongly preferred.

• Minimum of three years progressive supervisory experience of attorneys and/or DOJ accredited representatives, preferably in a nonprofit legal setting.

• Ability to effectively work with standard office programs including MS Office and immigration specialized case management software; experience with Law Logix preferred.

Background and MVR Screening:

Satisfactory results from pre-employment criminal and civil background screening required. Motor vehicle records (MVR) review required as needed.

Benefits Overview:

Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans; alternative care benefits for the employee; 100% employer paid life and long-term disability; voluntary disability and life; employee assistance program; paid time off which includes vacation time, sick time, and personal days; 13 paid holidays plus additional holiday pay for Agency closure Christmas through New Year’s; 403(b) retirement plan; free parking and more! Catholic Charities of Oregon employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness government-sponsored education loan repayment program. Please note these benefits are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled:

Catholic Charities of Oregon is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion across our agency.  Catholic Charities of Oregon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, equal pay, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.  Applicants and employees need not be Catholic.