Staff Attorney, Hogar Program

NCLR – National Center for LGBTQ Rights•*, CA, CA

9h•$95,143 - $153,557•Hybrid

About The Position

NCLR is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for Hogar Home}, its immigration program, to represent LGBTQ asylum seekers in deportation proceedings and other immigration matters. The attorney will manage an independent caseload and represent clients in Immigration Court, federal court, and affirmative asylum processes. The role includes developing litigation strategies, conducting legal research, drafting filings, preparing clients for court appearances and interviews, and coordinating supporting documentation. The Staff Attorney will supervise the Director of Hogar and the Immigration Project Intern, collaborate with the Hogar team and external colleagues, and provide guidance on issues arising in immigration representation. The position also contributes to grant development and reporting, communications and media work, coalition activity, legal publications, CLEs, panels, and other speaking engagements. The role reports to the Director of Community Justice and Access, with dotted-line reporting to the Vice President of Legal (Legal Director). It is a hybrid position requiring residence in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequent local travel for client meetings and court appearances.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to the California bar.
At least five years of experience as a licensed attorney providing immigration legal services.
License to practice law in good standing in the U.S. jurisdiction where the candidate resides.
Deep understanding of immigration law and the LGBTQ+ community.
Knowledge of and experience advocating for LGBTQ people, including issues affecting transgender and nonbinary people, people of color, and people living in poverty.
Awareness of and commitment to intersectional advocacy and broader social justice issues, including racial and economic justice, feminism, reproductive justice, and the multiple communities NCLR represents.
High independence and initiative, sound judgment, and excellent speaking and writing abilities.
Ability to produce high-caliber work, exercise creativity, and collaborate within the organization and with other groups.
Ability to respond to inquiries promptly and complete work ahead of deadlines to allow adequate review.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to assist clients in presenting their experiences within legal frameworks.
Leadership skills, including efficient delegation and collaborative case management.
Problem-solving ability and a creative approach to client service and team collaboration.
Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing immigration laws and procedures.
Attention to grammar, spelling, and formatting.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for client interaction.
Proficiency with case management software such as Cerenade, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and other standard office programs.
Ability and willingness to travel locally and work long hours as necessary for litigation.
Enthusiasm for LGBTQ rights and families, with a demonstrated commitment to public interest legal advocacy.
Must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area and travel regularly to meet clients or appear on their behalf in proceedings in the area.

Nice To Haves

Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish.
Demonstrated experience working with immigrant communities.

Responsibilities

Represent asylum clients in Immigration Court, including developing litigation strategy, conducting legal research, drafting and finalizing filings, and preparing clients for court appearances.
Represent asylum clients in federal court immigration matters, including mandamus and APA claims for prolonged case or decision delays and habeas petitions or TROs for clients at risk of detention.
Represent clients in affirmative asylum applications by reviewing applications, coordinating supporting documentation, preparing clients for interviews, and accompanying them to interviews.
Manage an independent caseload and support the Director of Hogar and Of Counsel attorneys while participating in team collaboration and training.
Supervise the Director of Hogar and Immigration Project Intern.
Communicate legal advice to clients, oversee forms and evidence, and provide constructive feedback to the Hogar Home} team.
Participate in decisions about which clients to represent.
Collaborate with the Hogar Home} team and external colleagues, maintaining organized case notes and updates.
Guide the Hogar Home} team in addressing issues related to immigration relief, including employment authorization, address changes, and reporting requirements.
Work with the Development Department on grant proposals, reports, and donor communications.
Work with the Communications Department on immigration-related media and publicity strategy, talking points, press releases, blogs, social media, and email outreach.
Provide current case information to the Communications Department for website and print materials.
Serve as a spokesperson for NCLR's immigration positions to the media and public.
Represent NCLR in immigration-related coalitions.
Update and develop publications and other legal resources.
Present CLEs, panels, and other speaking engagements.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Up to 17 days of vacation per year, based on employment status.
Sick leave.
Up to 15 paid holidays, based on employment status.
Medical, health, and vision insurance, with 90% of premiums covered by the employer.
401(k) plan and employer contribution.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Section 125 flexible spending pre-tax plans for qualified health and childcare expenses.
Family planning and transition-related care stipend.
Sabbatical leave.
Section 132 transportation and parking pre-tax benefits.
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.