Background:Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is an innovative partnership among the Microsoft Corporation, Angelina Jolie and other interested philanthropists, law firms and corporate supporters. KIND is dedicated to providing both pro bono representation and positive systemic changes in both law and policy to benefit unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children. Launched in fall 2008, KIND is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has field offices across the US.
Responsibilities:KIND seeks a Supervising Attorney for Pro Bono Programs (“Supervising Attorney”) to manage and oversee the provision of pro bono legal representation to unaccompanied children through KIND’s network of major law firms, and corporate and law school partners in the San Francisco and Central Valley area, as well as by KIND in-house attorneys. The position’s duties include supervising KIND staff; serving as a regional focal point in striving to implement KIND’s vision of ensuring that no child appear in immigration court alone; promoting volunteer support through outreach to and cultivation of relationships with local law firms, corporate legal departments, and other possible sources of pro bono representation; and serving as the primary liaison between KIND’s headquarters and its office in San Francisco.
The Supervising Attorney does not provide direct legal representation to unaccompanied children but will be responsible for facilitating their pro bono representation. He or she will report to KIND’s Co-Director for Legal Services.
The Supervising Attorney will have the following responsibilities:
Supervise KIND legal and program staff serving children in the San Francisco and Central Valley area, in close consultation with KIND’s Co-Director for Legal Services and other Headquarters staff;
Assist in the development of strategies to increase pro bono representation of unaccompanied immigrant children;
Match child clients with pro bono attorneys;
Recruit, train, and provide hands-on mentorship to volunteer attorneys representing unaccompanied children in immigration matters;
Assist in developing and managing KIND relationships with law firms and corporate counsel; and
Coordinate day to day office management and administration including ensuring data integrity.
Qualifications for the Ideal Candidate:
A licensed attorney, preferably in California;
At least four to eight years’ experience practicing immigration law, which should include preparing and representing immigrants and asylum seekers before immigration authorities, or substantially equivalent experience;
Prior supervisory experience;
Experience working in family law is a plus;
Experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, or experience working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma;
A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills;
Excellent writing and public speaking/training skills;
An understanding of the private law firm and corporate pro bono culture and the ability to be a well-respected and effective representative of the program to all stakeholders; and
Ability to work collaboratively and to handle multiple demands in a busy work environment.
Spanish speaking preferred.
How to apply
Nominations or applications, including a cover letter, resume (listing states and dates of all bar admissions), salary requirements, writing sample and three references, should be sent to: jobs@supportkind.org with “Supervising Attorney – San Francisco” in the subject line.
Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered.
DEADLINE: Applications should be submitted by December 13, 2015. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.
KIND is an EOE committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in both its staff and work.
The selected applicant will be asked to undergo a background check before acceptance of the final offer.