Immigration Law Staff Attorney

Peace Over Violence; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated immigration law staff attorney to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This role emphasizes a holistic approach to legal services, focusing on client empowerment and trauma-informed care. You will provide direct legal services, conduct client intakes, and collaborate with various agencies to advocate for clients' rights. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor degree and experience in immigration law, along with a strong commitment to low-income legal services. Join a passionate team making a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of immigration law experience, including SIJS and guardianship/probate court.
• Active and in good standing with the California State Bar.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct immigration legal services to survivors of domestic violence.
• Conduct client screenings, legal intakes, and needs assessments.
• Engage in appellate work and family court representation for SIJS cases.

Skills

Immigration Law

Crisis Counseling

Public Speaking

Legal Document Drafting

Client Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Peace Over Violence is seeking an immigration law staff attorney

Peace Over Violence is seeking an immigration law staff attorney with a demonstrated interest in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The ideal candidate will collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and advocate staff, employing a holistic approach to legal services that values client empowerment, trauma-informed care, and advocacy via a 24-hour hotline. The role primarily focuses on immigration law but also extends to public benefits, law enforcement advocacy, training, and community engagement.

The attorney will provide direct immigration legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes. Responsibilities include client intake, case assessment, legal document drafting, and court attendance. Collaboration with social service and law enforcement agencies is essential. The focus is on affirmative humanitarian immigration relief, including relief under VAWA, U visa, SIJS, DACA, and naturalization, with potential minor work with EOIR for clients in removal proceedings. Supervision of law students and volunteers may be required, with work overseen by the Managing Attorney.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Devise and implement policies for efficient legal service management under the supervision of the Managing Attorney.
2. Conduct client screenings, legal intakes, and needs assessments.
3. Provide crisis counseling, support, and resources, including via the hotline, with follow-up and advocacy.
4. Represent clients in applications for U nonimmigrant status, VAWA Self-Petitions, and other immigration remedies related to domestic violence.
5. Engage in appellate work and family court representation for SIJS cases.
6. Staff legal clinics on relevant topics.
7. Guide clients through the legal process and prepare for USCIS interviews.
8. Assist in drafting and filing immigration relief applications.
9. Advocate and follow up with law enforcement and USCIS when needed.
10. Support clients with safety planning, resources, and referrals.
11. Maintain confidentiality and perform other duties as assigned.
12. Participate in speaking engagements, trainings, and outreach on relevant issues.
13. Represent Peace Over Violence publicly and in media when necessary.
14. Prepare legal petitions, applications, statements, and supporting documents.
15. Ensure timely submission of materials, maintain communication with clients and partner agencies.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• 1-2 years of immigration law experience, including SIJS and guardianship/probate court.
• Interest in low-income legal services and immigrant rights.
• Flexible schedule, including some weekends/evenings; some travel may be required.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, elder abuse, and crisis counseling.
• Active and in good standing with the California State Bar.
• Completion of Peace Over Violence’s 82-hour counselor/advocate training or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively with criminal justice and social service agencies.
• Empathetic, non-judgmental approach to clients and colleagues.
• Strong communication skills, public speaking, and facilitation abilities.
• Comfortable working with diverse communities in L.A. and Pasadena.
• Ability to balance workload and practice self-care.

Additional Details

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Legal

Industries: Individual and Family Services