Immigration Attorney (Removal Defense)

The Immigration Attorney will manage a diverse caseload of clients eligible for a wide range of immigration relief, including but not limited to Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status(SIJS), U Visas, VAWA self-petitions, Adjustment of Status, and Provisional Waivers. The attorney will independently evaluate client eligibility, develop legal strategies, and ensure timely and accurate case preparation. The attorney will also maintain a caseload of both detained and non-detained clients in removal proceedings, representing individuals seeking relief such as asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT),cancellation of removal, U visas, VAWA relief, and family-based immigration benefits. Key responsibilities include reviewing and providing recommendations on complex cases, particularly naturalization matters, which may require analysis of criminal and court records and advising on issues related to inadmissibility, deportability, or other legal risks. The attorney will conduct in-depth legal assessments to determine eligibility for immigration benefits. The Immigration Attorney will provide professional guidance and mentorship to program staff handling routine and moderately complex cases, ensuring legal compliance and best practices. Responsibilities also include drafting legal memoranda, applications, declarations, legal briefs, and compiling comprehensive supporting documentation and will follow organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures. The attorney will represent clients before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) in bond hearings, master calendar hearings, and individual (merits)hearings and will represent clients before USCIS when needed.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor Degree and member in good standing with the California State Bar, or willing to sit in the next California Bar Examination. 1-3 years related experience in immigration law. Will consider Immigration Clinic experience. Licensed to practice law in California preferred. Maintain high standards of professionalism, responsibility, and ethics. Knowledge of immigration law, procedures, forms, eligibility criteria, court decisions, etc. Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility criteria. Must have strong case management, legal research, and writing skills. Must be able to work with a diverse community from different ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, including people with a history of severe trauma. Ability to represent clients before EOIR. Computer competency, including Office 365 and case management software proficiency. Bilingual English/ Spanish preferred but not required.