Job Type
Full-time
Description
Interested in providing free legal services to the community, join the team today! The Immigration Staff Attorney will work as a member of the Immigration Unit to provide representation to qualified immigrants in a variety of immigration cases. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.
Responsibilities:- Maintain a caseload of immigration cases, including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Adjustment of Status.
- Represent clients both before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and EOIR Immigration Court.
- As needed, supervise paralegals, including onboarding, skills training, and review of filings.
- Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
- Represent clients, counsel and advise clients in legal matters.
- Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
- Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
- Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
- Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
- Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
- Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
- Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
- Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.
Requirements
Education:- Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
Qualifications:- Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
- At least 5 years or more experience in Immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, T visas, or VAWA Self-petitions.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
- Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
- Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
- Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
- Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
- Ability to model CLA SoCal's values and mission.
- Prior legal services advocacy experience - Preferred.
- Bilingual proficiency - Preferred.
Holistic Benefits:- May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
- Hybrid Schedule
- 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Student loan reimbursement program
- Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff
Salary Description
$80,000 to $98,000 (DOE)
