VACANCY: Justice AmeriCorps Volunteer Attorney for Unaccompanied Child Migrants

The Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic at the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law has a vacancy for one of its two attorneys in its Justice AmeriCorps-funded program to provide legal representation to unaccompanied child migrants. We seek an attorney who is passionate about public service, a determined and creative problem solver, able to work with vulnerable clients, a strong legal advocate, and a reliable team player.

The Boyd School of Law’s Justice AmeriCorps program has won national and local acclaim for helping Southern Nevada respond to the arrival of unaccompanied children fleeing violence in Central America. Our two attorneys advise child-clients, and represent them in state courts and federal immigration proceedings as needed. We also develop pro bono resources in the local legal community. In the coming year, the Justice AmeriCorps program will be increasingly integrated with the law school’s Immigration Clinic, so that the volunteer attorneys will have the opportunity to supervise and teach law students in addition to representing clients.

Specific duties of the Justice Americorps attorneys include (but are not strictly limited to):

• representation in removal proceedings before the Las Vegas Immigration Court 
• representation in asylum, SIJS, and adjustment of status applications before USCIS 
• representation in guardianship proceedings before the Family Court 
• recruitment and supervision of pro bono attorneys coordinate referrals for counseling, medical, and dental services 

This position may be filled by a recent law school graduate, or by a more experienced attorney. A background in immigration law and/or ability to speak Spanish would be an advantage but is not essential. It is essential to be committed to clients, to be able to learn quickly on the job, and to be a flexible colleague in a collaborative, public interest law practice. Justice AmeriCorps attorneys will have an opportunity to attend one week training program in Washington D.C. to learn the basics of unaccompanied child representation. A license to practice law in a state of the United States is required, but Nevada is preferred. (Recent graduates who are awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply, though employment may be conditioned on successfully obtaining a license to practice.)

Justice AmeriCorps member attorneys receive a stipend and compensation for certain living expenses more than $40,000. Some benefits (including health insurance and retirement) are provided in addition. Details can be provided upon inquiry.

For more information about the vacancy, please contact Immigration Clinic Director Michael Kagan at michael.kagan@unlv.edu. To apply, please send a letter, resume, and names and contacts of three references to karen.brokaw@unlv.edu.

We will begin reviewing applications after August 23; to ensure full consideration apply before that date. However, we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.