Staff Attorney - Immigrants' Rights (Anti-Detention Team)

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

7d•$78,000 - $103,400•Hybrid

About The Position

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice. The Immigrants’ Rights team envisions a world where all (im)migrants live with dignity, power, and opportunity. Staffed by approximately 30 attorneys, administrative staff, and social workers, the team provides direct legal representation to detained immigrants as well as non-citizens seeking asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA, T and U visas, and other relief in immigration court. In addition to direct representation, the Immigrants’ Rights team engages in advocacy at the local and national levels, recruits, trains, and mentors hundreds of pro bono attorneys each year, handles appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the California Court of Appeal, and conducts impact litigation. For 35 years, the team has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of immigrants in Los Angeles. The Staff Attorney will provide zealous, client-centered, and trauma-informed direct representation to immigrants in removal proceedings and in immigrant detention.

Requirements

1-11 years of experience in legal advocacy
Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California State Bar
Experience in immigration removal defense and detention work
Strong legal research and writing skills
Ability to prioritize and manage a large caseload independently
Provides attention to detail
Comfort and experience working with clients from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with complex trauma and those who have been criminalized
Understanding of trauma and its effects on both the clients and the advocates
Willingness and ability to travel to/from the asylum office, detention centers, superior and federal courts, and immigration courts in the Southern California region
Ability to think strategically and creatively, and problem-solve effectively
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with other team members.
Desire to learn and grow as an advocate, and openness to feedback
Commitment to immigrants’ rights and the mission of Public Counsel
A commitment to economic and racial justice, including participating in and advancing the equity and inclusion work at Public Counsel
High levels of emotional intelligence, maturity and cultural competency, including being curious, self-aware, cognizant of bias, empathetic, patient, and willing to listen, and having a growth and open mindset
Exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week and must work all additional time necessary to accomplish job duties in a timely and professional manner.
Must be flexible in work hours so as to provide superior quality and timely service to clients consistent with the position and professional responsibility obligations.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing, litigating, and/or supporting attorneys’ fees motions
Fluency in Spanish
Experience in habeas petitions and BIA Appeals

Responsibilities

Provide zealous, client-centered, and trauma-informed direct representation to immigrants in removal proceedings and in immigrant detention
Represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Provide immigration consultations to immigrants in removal proceedings and/or detention
Provide full-scope representation to immigrants in detention and/or removal proceedings, including bond proceedings, habeas petitions, and parole requests
Provide representation in removal proceedings
File Motions to Reopen/Reconsider with the immigration court, USCIS or Administrative Appeals Office
File affirmative applications for humanitarian immigration relief
Work collaboratively with team members to provide client-centered, holistic, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary services for clients
Collect case data and contribute to grant reports
Assist with the administrative tasks in support of this work, including opening and closing matters, printing and scanning documents, maintaining files, etc.
Maintain a caseload of 30-35 active matters (note - one client can have multiple matters)
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical coverage with an option for 100% employer-paid employee and dependent child(ren)’s premiums; buy-up options are available for other HMO and PPO coverage
Dental and vision coverage
Option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account
Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans
15 accrued vacation days that increase to 20 days after 3 years of employment
12 accrued sick days that may be used for physical and mental health needs
2 personal observance days
11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (during the summer and winter)
Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff only)
403(b) retirement plan with an elective employee contribution, and after a year of employment a discretionary employer contribution
Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement
$45 per pay period for employees who use non-English language skills to perform work duties
Up to 6 months of parental leave
Organizational and team wellness activities to build team cohesion and camaraderie
Professional development support and opportunities
Annual payment of dues for required licenses or certifications (state bar dues for attorneys) and for a mutually agreed-upon professional organization