Immigration Staff Attorney (Temporary, 6-Month Term)

East Bay Community Law Center • Berkeley, CA

2d • $87,763 - $110,763 • Hybrid

About The Position

East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC) is a nonprofit legal services organization and the community-based clinical program for U.C. Berkeley Law School. Its Immigration Program provides legal and social work services to low-income immigrants, with particular focus on vulnerable populations. The Immigration Temporary Staff Attorney represents immigrants in a broad range of matters and contributes to EBCLC’s racial justice mission and its service and teaching work.

This is a six-month temporary position covering a staff member’s parental leave. The attorney represents clients before the Immigration Court, USCIS, family court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, and works collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizations, and law students. The role also includes community outreach and education, paralegal co-supervision, and administrative work related to grants and reporting. The position is supervised by an Immigration Program Co-Director.

EBCLC has a hybrid workplace. The attorney is expected to work in the office at least three days each week for in-person meetings, seminar teaching, and/or fieldwork. EBCLC provides equipment needed for work from home.

Requirements

• J.D. and membership in the California State Bar in good standing.
• At least one year of experience providing immigration legal services.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload, with strong time-management, priority-setting, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including people of color, people experiencing housing insecurity, non-English speakers, people with mental disabilities, people experiencing domestic violence, law students, service providers, government employees, community partners, and law school faculty.
• Commitment to racial justice, equity, and advancing EBCLC’s mission and work.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of experience providing immigration legal services is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience with asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent low-income immigrants in matters before Immigration Court, USCIS, family court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals, including removal defense, asylum, U visas, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, adjustment of status, waivers, naturalization, and DACA.
• Provide consultations and direct representation to the immigrant community in the East Bay, including UC Berkeley and local community college students and Alameda County residents in removal proceedings.
• Collaborate with the social work team and other EBCLC attorneys to provide holistic wrap-around services.
• Co-supervise paralegals with the unit’s Co-Directors.
• Conduct community outreach, workshops, and presentations.
• Participate in partnerships with community and legal services organizations providing similar services.
• Complete administrative tasks, including grant management and reporting.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts for qualified health, dependent care, and commute expenditures.
• Retirement options.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree