PURPOSE STATEMENT: 

To provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrants involving clients that are survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, asylum-seekers, victims of crimes, families, and minors, in Maryland. 

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.  

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? 

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: 

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States. 
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. 
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm. 
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. 
• That diversity and equality make this country better. 

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL? 

• Provide expert immigration legal guidance and mentorship to pro bono attorneys handling a range of immigration matters, including representation of asylum seekers; survivors of trafficking seeking T visas; survivors of crime pursuing U visas; survivors of domestic violence seeking relief under VAWA; minors eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; individuals navigating family-based immigration; and others pursuing forms of humanitarian or family-based relief.
• Attend Ayuda’s pro bono immigration clinics to support volunteer attorneys, offer real-time supervision, and ensure high-quality, client-centered services.
• Serve as a primary mentor for pro bono attorneys engaged in long-term case representation through Ayuda’s pro bono case pipeline, providing ongoing technical support, review of filings, and strategic case guidance.
• Remain current on evolving immigration laws, policies, regulations, and court practices through regular training, professional development, and review of legal updates, and share relevant developments with pro bono partners.
• Represent Ayuda in meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives with partner law firms, community organizations, and external stakeholders to strengthen program visibility and coordination.
• Conduct trainings for pro bono partners, community groups, and other audiences on immigration law topics, trauma-informed representation, and emerging legal trends.
• Collaborate closely with Ayuda’s social services teams to ensure clients referred to or served by pro bono partners receive holistic, integrated support.
• Contribute to Ayuda’s development efforts by assisting with program storytelling, sharing client impact narratives (with appropriate consent), and participating in fundraising events that highlight the value of pro bono collaborations. 

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB? 

Eligibility Requirements:  Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment. 

Qualifications: 

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes. 

• J.D. or LL.M. from accredited law school required 
• At least one year of experience in relevant field required. 
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Maryland (preferred), or member in good standing of any jurisdiction in the United States, with immediate eligibility to waive into the MD bar (without examination) 
• Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to Ayuda’s client community required 
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice. 
• Experience in immigration law with a focus on humanitarian remedies  
• Experience with removal defense and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status state court proceedings a plus 
• Experience working with survivors of family violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or other trauma a plus 
• Strong legal, organizational and time-management skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

This position is a term-limited, at-will position through April 2027 to work on a specific grant-funded project, with the possibility of renewal based on funding. 

The anticipated salary for this position is $76,500- $85,400, depending on experience. 

For example, a staff attorney with 2 years of relevant professional experience would receive a salary of $78,800. 

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:   

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid 
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid 
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid 
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid 
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary 
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.  
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year 
• 12 weeks paid parental leave/family leave 
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year 
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships) 
• Flexible work schedules 

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.  For more information, go to https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/special-programs/pslf.   

TO APPLY: 

Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT: 

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.  

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.