Senior Staff Attorney (Immigration & Asylum)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney to join its Children Legal Services team in Baltimore, Maryland. The attorney will provide expert immigration, asylum and removal‑defense representation to vulnerable clients, primarily unaccompanied children and refugees, helping them secure safety and legal status in the United States.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct legal screenings and consultations with clients and community partners.
• Represent clients in affirmative asylum applications and removal‑defense proceedings before USCIS and EOIR.
• Prepare and file petitions for relief such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, VAWA, U‑visa, T‑visa and related immigration benefits.
• Appear in state courts on behalf of unaccompanied children released to sponsors across multiple Maryland counties.
• Collaborate with the Immigration Technical Unit and external partners to coordinate case strategy and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Required profile

• Several years of experience practicing immigration, asylum and removal‑defense law.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound legal judgment and adhere to high ethical standards.
• Capacity to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to serving vulnerable migrant populations.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of U.S. immigration law, asylum procedures, and removal‑defense practice.
• Proficiency in preparing and litigating cases before USCIS, EOIR and state courts.
• Effective client interviewing, legal research, and case management abilities.