Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. 

 

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

 This position is contingent upon continued funding.

Essential Functions

• Provides either or both mentoring to KIND pro bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients: 
• In the pro bono mentoring function, provides robust consultation and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys who have accepted a KIND case. 
• In the direct representation function, performs ordinary functions of legal counsel, including legal research and formulating the legal strategy for the case; conducts client interviews; appears before immigration and/or state courts or agencies, and drafts and files court pleadings and applications for benefits. 


Responsibilities may also include the following:
• Places cases with pro bono attorneys, and provides ongoing expert mentoring, training, and technical assistance in individual and group settings. 
• Contributes to overall office functioning, including actively participating in the field office and KIND-wide calls and meetings, and in-office events. 
• In coordination with KIND’s Training and Technical Assistance Team as well as the Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships, as needed, develops local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets. Assists with development and conducting of local and national KIND training for both staff and external partners and stakeholders. 
• Ensures entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into KIND’s case management systems.
• Represents KIND at local coalitions, courts, and agencies as needed.
• Provides technical assistance to other KIND staff within the office on areas of subject matter expertise.

Qualifications and Requirements

• J.D. and active bar admission in any state; admission in local state preferred. 
• Fluency in Spanish preferred (for direct communication with the children we serve and their caregivers, the majority of whom are Spanish speaking).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the field of immigration law, expertise in asylum and/or SIJS, and a minimum of 4 years representing individuals in immigration or child welfare proceedings. 
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years demonstrating proven legal expertise or skills in managing complex legal projects. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance. 
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment preferred but not required. 

 

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with KIND paying 100% of the employee only portion of the premium for one of the three medical plan options, dental, and vision. 

- Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.  

- Pre-tax transit and parking spending account.  

- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.  

- Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.  

 

For a complete list of benefits, please click . 

 

 

KIND recognizes that our ability to help our clients starts with helping our team members. KIND has prioritized wellness for employees through Mindfulness and Wellness Trainings, Wellness Platforms, Employee Assistance and Resilience Programs, Time Away and Office Wellness Activities. 

For more information regarding our Wellness initiatives please visit this .  

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at , along with your resume and cover letter.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: .