About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Since 2008, KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Summary:

KIND seeks a Senior Attorney to lead KIND's Seattle and King County Legal Defense Network (LDN) programs by providing senior-level expertise and leadership in the provision of legal services by KIND attorneys and pro bono partners to unaccompanied children facing removal proceedings. Serve as thoughtful leader and expert advisor on complex and novel legal issues for internal and external stakeholders. Supervise Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, and other non-attorney staff.

Essential Functions:

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • J.D. and admitted to WA state bar or an ability to become barred within a year of employment.
  • Advanced fluency in Spanish language required.
  • 4-6 years of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas.
  • 3-5 years of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
  • Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers.
  • 2+ years of experience supervising attorneys and/or legal staff.
  • Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated collaboration and contributor to overall team; ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently.

Salary Range: $86,880-$108,600 dependent on experience

This vacancy is archived.

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