Staff Attorney

About The Asylum Clinic Kansas City 

The Asylum Clinic Kansas City is a rapidly growing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing comprehensive immigration legal services in the Kansas City metro area. We manage a large caseload and collaborate with community partners to navigate the ever-changing policies of the immigration system. To fulfill our mission to provide excellent legal services, our team works cohesively to overcome the challenges presented by immigration policy to achieve our clients’ goals. 

ACKC’s mission is to promote justice through the delivery of accessible legal services and support that empower underserved immigrants and refugees in The Heartland. We believe that every person deserves access to high-quality legal representation and comprehensive support services, particularly those who have fled their home countries due to violence, persecution, or other forms of hardship. At ACKC, we are proud to be a trusted and respected resource for immigrants and their families. We are committed to fighting for their rights and providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a brighter future. 

Position Overview  

The Staff Attorney provides direct representation to Asylum Clinic KC’s clients, including but not limited to humanitarian immigration cases involving asylum, visa petitions for victims of a crime or human trafficking, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, removal defense, and adjustments of status. The Staff Attorney will maintain an active case load and lead paralegals and other staff in the representation of clients.  

 Key Responsibilities 

• Maintain an active case load 

• Represent low-income clients in front of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as well as the Immigration Court 

• Conduct legal consultations, assess eligibility for relief, and develop case strategies 

• Perform legal research and case preparation for a variety of client legal needs  

• Draft applications, briefs, motions and other court filings as needed  

• Work with the legal team and the Director of Operations to maintain accurate case management and performance records for grant reporting and compliance  

• Supervises paralegals, DOJ Accredited Representatives, and/or other team members 

• Participate in ACKC strategic programs and initiatives, as appropriate  

• Help develop new programs or projects that respond to emerging immigrant needs 

• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in the case management system 

• Attend continuing education and training to stay current in immigration practice 

Required Qualifications: 

• Required Education: J.D. from an accredited ABA institute 

• Required Certification/Licensure: Licensed within 6 months of start date. Preferably in Missouri or Kansas 

• Ability to work in-office and virtually 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• At least two years of experience in immigration law or other legal aid law. Attorneys with more experience are encouraged to apply and compensation will reflect experience.   

• Experience working with immigrants and/or diverse cultures and ethnicities  

• Experience working with victims of trauma 

• Strongly preferred fluency in Spanish and English 

 Compensation and Benefits 

Compensation is $75,000 or an amount commensurate with experience and includes; employer-paid health insurance, dental and vision plans for the employee, long-term disability/AD+D/life insurance, a pre-tax retirement plan, 11 paid federal holidays, and four weeks paid time off. This is an exempt position. 

Who are we seeking to join our team?  

We are looking for a dynamic individual who is driven by the hope and resilience of our clients. You should be passionate about our mission, thrive in a collaborative team environment, and possess the creativity and dedication needed to expand legal services to underserved communities. 

How to Apply 

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to clare@asylumclinickc.org.  Please use the subject line "Staff Attorney- [Your Name]" when submitting your application. No phone calls, please.

In your cover letter, please explain why you are interested in this position and how your experience and qualifications align with the requirements of the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining our team! 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

ACKC is an equal opportunity employer. ACKC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other legally protected status.