Employment

Immigration Attorney

Position Description: 

This is a full-time, exempt position. The immigration attorney reports to the Senior Attorney and Department Director.  Conducts legal assessment of detained and non-detained clients as well as Unaccompanied Minors in both San Diego and Imperial County, and review of complex cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits and need for referral to other legal providers. Provides consultations and prepare and submit applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The position includes travel to Imperial County (Agency vehicle provided for travel), education, outreach and legal consultation work regarding public charge, and know your rights. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Legal Representation

• Conduct legal consultations and determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Prepare and file cases for individuals in removal proceedings, both in the detained and non-detained context. Representation will be provided in both San Diego and Imperial counties.
• Visit detained clients at Imperial Regional Detention Facility and assist with post-release service coordination including securing temporary housing, food and travel arrangements.
• Represent clients in proceedings before EOIR with the following: custody re-determination hearings, defensive asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture, non-LPR and LPR cancellation of removal, waivers, and complex family-based adjustment of status.
• Draft declarations, legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
• Attend trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy.

2. Community Engagement 

• Travel as needed and directed to any of the Agency sites, to detention facilities or courts as required.

   

• Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on basic pathways to citizenship, benefits eligibility, understanding individual rights, and other topics.

3. Program Development 

• Assist as directed in any of the myriad activities required to balance workload priorities, grant-based goals, in-service training and handling of resources so as to ensure maximum productivity and fiscal solvency for Immigrant Services.
• Assist department administration in the development and expansion of its immigration services and resources. 

4. Agency Engagement/procedures 

• Follow established program protocols
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures
• Submit program reports and statistics in a timely manner
• Participate in departmental meetings, on-line webinars and other training opportunities

EDUCATION , EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1.   Jurisprudence Degree plus experience in immigration removal defense.
2.  License to practice law in State of California. Must be in good standing.
3.  Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility.
4.  Ability to represent clients before USCIS and Immigration Court.
5.  Ability to provide training to staff regarding immigration law, procedures, forms,     eligibility   
6.  Must possess strong legal research and writing skills.
7.  Familiarity of local DHS and EOIR offices and procedures preferred.
8.  Bilingual English/ Spanish required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid California Drivers License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements. Member of the Bar Association, preferably California. Access to and admission in Federal Court.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to travel to various locations to support the needs of the program.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, some weekends and evenings to support program needs.

Salary: $60,000 to $64,000, Depending on Experience