Immigration Staff Attorney

ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE SOUTHERN CA•Los Angeles, CA

6h•$68,640 - $125,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for performing client counseling and representation duties. The Staff Attorney meets with and advises clients of immigrant legal rights and issues, conducts legal research and writing, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other legal duties. The Staff Attorney works directly on complex immigration cases, with a current emphasis on relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, DACA, and Removal Defense. The Staff Attorney represents clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Staff Attorney provides technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration, and staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Staff Attorney conducts immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. The position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit. Your day-to-day typically includes: 75% Client support and representation for various types of immigration cases Provide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum offices Provide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIR Prepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance 15% Community Outreach & Education Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and adult education centers to present information sessions on Naturalization and Immigration law 10% Immigration & Citizenship Legal Clinic Support Provide consults, legal support and review at weekly clinics at onsite and remote locations Help train and oversee work of volunteers at workshops and clinics Work closely with the Immigration Director to help plan and strategize culturally competent service models to address relevant immigration needs Aid in operational elements of clinic including preparation, setup, and break down Other duties as assigned

Requirements

J.D. and active membership in California State Bar
Minimum one (1) year of immigration experience, preferably with removal proceeding experience and experience working with refugees, victims of domestic violence, crimes, and trafficking.
Experience assisting immigrant, limited English speaking and/or low-income clients
Excellent legal writing, speaking, and organizational skills
Ability to communicate effectively with clients
Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently
Availability and willingness to regularly travel within the county and state
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Access to reliable means of transportation required

Nice To Haves

Experience appearing in immigration court preferred
Experience or familiarity with AAPI community preferred
Bilingual fluency in an AAPI language strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Client support and representation for various types of immigration cases
Provide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum offices
Provide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIR
Prepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients
Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables
Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance
Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests
Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and adult education centers to present information sessions on Naturalization and Immigration law
Provide consults, legal support and review at weekly clinics at onsite and remote locations
Help train and oversee work of volunteers at workshops and clinics
Work closely with the Immigration Director to help plan and strategize culturally competent service models to address relevant immigration needs
Aid in operational elements of clinic including preparation, setup, and break down
Other duties as assigned