How to apply for Staff Attorney

About Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Read Immigrant Legal Resource Center's own website and recent updates before applying: what they work on, who funds them and what they have published in the last year.

About the role

The posting for Staff Attorney is the best source on what the job involves. Note the three or four responsibilities it mentions first; those usually matter most.

A typical day

The posting doesn't describe a typical day. Ask in the interview how the team plans its week and which meetings the role joins.

Who Immigrant Legal Resource Center is looking for

• Meets the requirements listed in the posting, or can show equivalent experience
• Can point to specific results from similar work
• Is eligible to work from the locations the posting allows

Tips for this application

• Name one thing Immigrant Legal Resource Center has done recently and why it matters to you
• Match your CV wording to the responsibilities in the posting
• Give numbers where you can: budgets, people, outcomes
• Check the location and time-zone limits before applying
• Apply through the original posting so your application reaches the employer

What to cover in your cover letter

Lead with why Immigrant Legal Resource Center's work matters to you, then two or three results that match the posting's main responsibilities.

Research before applying

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center's website, annual report or recent publications
• Their main programs or products and who they serve
• Who leads the team you would join, if it is public

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Why this organization and this role
• A recent project like the work in the posting, and what you did
• How you work across time zones and with remote colleagues
• What you would focus on in your first three months
• Your questions about the team, priorities and how success is measured

Common mistakes to avoid

• A generic letter that could be sent to any organization
• Ignoring the location or eligibility requirements
• Listing duties instead of results