Immigration Staff Attorney

ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE SOUTHERN CA•Los Angeles, CA

7d•$75,300 - $125,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney to join their team in Los Angeles. AJSOCAL is a leading legal and civil rights organization dedicated to advocating for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). They provide free legal assistance, engage in impact litigation, and advocate for policy changes, serving over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. The organization offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Family-Based Immigration, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, VAWA, SIJS, T-Visa, and U-Visa, as well as citizenship workshops. AJSOCAL also leads community-centered initiatives in areas such as legal intake, survivor empowerment, housing preservation, and health access. Their work is further supported by a Demographic Research Project and Community Engagement teams, and their Impact Litigation and Policy teams focus on systemic change and shaping laws affecting immigrant families. The ideal candidate will share AJSOCAL's mission, be passionate about public interest and social justice, and seek a role where their contributions make a significant difference.

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
Experience appearing in immigration court preferred
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
Ability to travel as needed to attend various functions and meetings
Demonstrated sincere commitment to social justice and serving on behalf of low-income, immigrant communities, AANPHI or non-profit environments preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience with individuals for whom English is a second language (ESL) is preferred
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Strong computer and database skills with familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite products preferred
Ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience or familiarity with AAPI community preferred
Bilingual / biliterate in at least one Asian language (Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese) strongly preferred
Experience with Canva, social media, or other communications platforms preferred

Responsibilities

Perform client counseling and representation duties.
Meet with and advise clients on immigrant legal rights and issues.
Conduct legal research and writing.
Prepare court forms and immigration applications.
Work 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.
Represent clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Provide technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration.
Staff evening and weekend workshops.
Conduct immigration trainings, community outreach, and education to local organizations and partners.
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.
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.
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.