Position Summary
The Lead DOJ Accredited Representative provides immigration legal services under the authorization of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Recognition and Accreditation Program. Working within the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s (HCWM) Immigration Legal Services Program, the Lead Accredited Representative focuses on legal consultation, representation, supervision, and program development. This position delivers high-quality, culturally responsive, ethical immigration legal services in compliance with DOJ regulations and HCWM’s mission, while working in collaboration with a Legal Assistant who provides administrative and case-support functions.
Responsibilities
Legal Services & Representation
- Provide immigration legal consultations and representation within the scope of DOJ accreditation.
• Conduct legal analysis and determine appropriate immigration relief options for clients.
• Review, approve, and sign immigration applications, petitions, and supporting documentation prepared with assistance from a Legal Assistant.
• Represent clients before USCIS and other authorized agencies as permitted under DOJ accreditation.
• Ensure legal accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all filings.
Client Engagement & Advocacy
- Provide legal guidance to clients regarding case strategy, eligibility, risks, and outcomes.
• Participate in substantive client meetings where legal judgment or representation is required.
• Ensure services are delivered in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered manner.
Compliance, Ethics & Professional Standards
- Ensure adherence to DOJ Recognition & Accreditation regulations and HCWM legal service protocols.
• Maintain responsibility for legal oversight of client files while delegating administrative case management tasks to the Legal Assistant.
• Follow HCWM policies on confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and ethical legal practice.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of immigration laws, policies, and procedures through ongoing training and professional development.
Supervision & Program Leadership
- Supervise DOJ Accredited Representatives and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and programmatic standards.
• Provide legal mentorship, case review, and quality assurance oversight for legal staff.• Collaborate with the Legal Assistant to ensure efficient case flow and division of responsibilities.
• Support the Director of Support Services and organizational leadership in developing, strengthening, and maintaining HCWM’s DOJ Recognition & Accreditation program.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Conduct community education and outreach on immigration rights, legal processes, and available services.
• Represent HCWM at community meetings, outreach events, and stakeholder gatherings in a legal and advocacy capacity.
• Work collaboratively with HCWM staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure holistic client support.
• Refer clients to vetted legal service providers or community resources when legal representation falls outside program scope.
Required Qualifications
- DOJ Accreditation (Partial or Full), or eligibility to apply upon hiring.
• Minimum of three years of experience working in immigration law or a related legal services field.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of U.S. immigration law, procedures, and legal ethics.
• Ability to provide legal oversight and direction while delegating administrative tasks appropriately.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a compassionate, client-centered approach.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, particularly for legal analysis and supervision.
• Ability to manage a legal caseload with attention to detail and compliance standards.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination practices.
• Commitment to HCWM’s mission and values of equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in law, legal studies, social work, or a related field.
• Experience working in or with immigrant, refugee, or Latinx communities.
• Experience supervising legal staff or DOJ-accredited representatives.
• Familiarity with legal case management systems (e.g., Cerenade eImmigration) at an oversight level.
Work Schedule
This is a salaried part time (20 hours minimum), onsite position with some flexibility. Evening and occasional weekend events may also be required to support the HCWM team and perform other duties as assigned. As client needs increase, the position has potential to transition to full time.
