About HNK

Haynes Novick Kohn Immigration is an established, full-service immigration law firm. We handle all areas of immigration law, with limited exceptions, and practice immigration law exclusively. Our attorneys and staff work collaboratively to provide sophisticated legal representation and exceptional client service. As part of our underlying philosophy of immigration law practice, we help our clients understand the law, the requirements, and the process. Through our comprehensive consultation process, we empower our clients to become full participants in their case. Together, we devise complete immigration strategies that take into account our clients’ short- and long-term goals. We strive to take the mystery out of the process and believe that an educated client is the best client.

Entry-Level Immigration Attorney (Associate)

We seek a motivated and experienced Associate Attorney to join our legal team and work closely with our Supervising Attorneys and senior attorneys. The Associate Attorney will play an important role in managing cases, developing case strategy, conducting legal research, preparing filings, and providing exceptional client service.The ideal candidate must have prior exposure to immigration law through an immigration clinic, summer clerkship, paralegal position, or previous legal position. This is a writing-intensive position requiring excellent legal writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The successful candidate must be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple matters and deadlines while taking ownership of assigned cases.This is a unique opportunity to work closely with experienced immigration attorneys, formulate case strategy, address complex immigration matters, and develop strong client relationships while delivering high-quality legal representation. This is a hybrid position that requires being in the office three days a week.

Qualifications

  • JD degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
  • Admission to a U.S. state bar; Maryland admission preferred. We will accept applicants with bar results pending.
  • Prior exposure to immigration law through an immigration clinic, summer clerkship, paralegal position, or previous legal position required.
  • Professional proficiency in Spanish required.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, editing, proofreading, and oral communication skills.
  • Strong analytical, evaluative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Excellent time management and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
  • Strong client-service skills and professional demeanor.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and support staff.
  • Strong judgment and ability to identify issues and propose solutions proactively.
  • Ability to receive constructive feedback and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
  • Ability to delegate to, oversee, train, and develop paralegals and legal assistants.
  • Proficiency with Clio, INSZoom, Adobe, Microsoft Office, and other legal technology platforms is preferred.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Assist Supervising Attorneys and senior attorneys with the preparation and filing of immigration matters across various practice areas.
  • Draft motions, briefs, legal memoranda, declarations, evidentiary filings, and other legal documents.
  • Prepare and review immigration applications, petitions, and supporting documentation.
  • Assist with federal court matters, including mandamus and APA complaints and habeas corpus petitions.
  • Conduct client, witness, and qualifying-relative meetings and assist with preparation of declarations.
  • Accompany and represent clients at USCIS interviews, EOIR hearings, and CBP deferred inspection appointments.
  • Conduct in-depth legal research and remain current on immigration laws, regulations, policies, procedures, filing requirements, and agency practices.
  • Participate in case strategy discussions and provide thoughtful legal analysis and practical solutions.
  • Identify potential immigration issues and develop strategies to address them.
  • Develop knowledge of G-4 issues, unlawful presence bars, and criminal-immigration matters.
  • Participate in consultations with prospective and existing clients to assess eligibility for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa options.
  • Effectively manage an assigned caseload and adhere to strict deadlines while maintaining exceptional client relations.
  • Serve as a point of contact for clients and provide timely legal advice, case updates, and information regarding important deadlines and case developments.
  • Follow up with USCIS, EOIR, CBP, clients, and other relevant parties as appropriate.
  • Regularly review active cases and case reminders to ensure matters are progressing appropriately.
  • Prepare complete and accurate case filings for Supervising Attorney review.
  • Organize and maintain legally compliant client files in Clio, INSZoom, and other Firm systems.
  • Assist Supervising Attorneys with oversight of paralegal and legal assistant case production.
  • Review and provide guidance on filings, letters, and legal documents prepared by paralegals and legal assistants.
  • Delegate appropriate tasks and assist with training and development of paralegals and legal assistants.
  • Contribute to the Firm newsletter and other legal or educational content.
  • Assist with maintaining team checklists, email templates, form letters, and other documents and workflows.
  • Assist partners and senior attorneys with legal projects and other matters as needed.
  • Explore opportunities for niche practice areas and contribute to business development initiatives.
  • Interest in developing experience in business immigration is a plus, but not required.
  • High motivation, professionalism, accountability, and a genuine interest in immigration law are essential.

Benefits and Support from the Firm

  • Beautiful office space located in Dupont Circle
  • No billable hour requirement
  • Collaborative work environment with attorneys and legal support staff
  • Mentorship and guidance from senior attorneys
  • Attorney malpractice insurance coverage
  • AILA membership and bar membership
  • Professional development opportunities and attendance at select AILA and other immigration conferences
  • 401(k): Firm contributes 3%
  • Transportation benefits: $200 monthly for SmartTrip or parking garage
  • Mileage reimbursement 
  • Health and dental insurance
  • 15 days PTO to start
  • Work Anniversary Bonus PTO Day
  • Bereavement leave
  • 12 Federal Holidays
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • FMLA Parental leave
  • Referral program

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant (Bilingual English & Spanish)

Dupont Circle, Washington, DC. In person, not remote

Key Responsibilities

The Receptionist & Administrative Assistant is responsible for supporting the needs of staff members to enhance office culture and performance. This involves maintaining the smooth operation of the office by use of organized and efficient office operations and procedures as well as providing as human resources support. The Receptionist & Administrative Assistant works closely with the Practice Manager to recommend efficiencies and support overall achievement of strategic objectives.

Administrative/Reception Support

  • Greet Clients in person, to include, but not limited to: accept documents, take payments, and make them comfortable in the conference room
  • Pick up and drop off mail from USPS and FedEx; open, scan and email mail to legal teams
  • Liaise with building management for building maintenance and other requests
  • Liaise with certain other vendors including but not limited to shredding company and IT company
  • Order and maintain office supplies and related budget spreadsheet
  • Maintain kitchen, conference room and supply room organized, stocked, and clean
  • Assemble furniture and set up computer peripherals as needed
  • Scan and/or shred client files as requested
  • Water plants in reception and conference room
  • Assist Practice Manager with Human Resource support including but not limited to: update employee and standard operating procedures manual, and assist with onboarding and offboarding of employees
  • Assist Practice Manager with Administrative Tasks including but not limited to: update letterhead, templates, checklists, website, and inventory lists, conduct surveys, planning events, pick up food for planned office lunches, communicate announcements to staff, disposal and purchase of equipment/furniture
  • Assist Legal Teams with preparation of physical filings which includes printing, scanning, packaging, and preparing mailing labels
  • Undertake other tasks and projects, as necessary

Job Requirements

  • Positive, friendly, can-do attitude
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong analytical, evaluative, critical thinking skills
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office Products
  • Bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish
  • Ability to manage time, prioritize work, and handle diverse assignments

Personal Competencies

  • Total commitment to HNK’s core values.
  • Ability to produce thorough, high-quality work within a tight timeframe, flexibility, and ability to handle multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
  • An international outlook and ability to relate to and engage with people from a range of backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints.
  • Problem-solving, decision-making and good judgment skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and/or independently respond to situations and make suggestions on ways to effectively manage the office
  • Attention to detail. Ability to perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities effectively and efficiently often within a required timeframe.
  • Ability to respond and adapt quickly to changing requirements and competing demands.
  • Professional and mature demeanor and conduct, especially during interactions with the clients.

Benefits and Support from the Firm

  • Beautiful office space located in Dupont Circle
  • 401(k): Firm contributes 3%
  • Transportation benefits: $200 monthly for SmartTrip or parking garage
  • Health and dental insurance
  • 15 days PTO to start
  • Work Anniversary Bonus PTO Day
  • Bereavement leave
  • 12 Federal Holidays
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • FMLA Parental leave
  • Referral program

To apply, please email your resume and a short note about your interest to  careers@dcimmigrationattorney.com