Staff Attorney I or II-Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Retirement Plan (401a/403(b))

Paid vacation 15 days/year

Sick time 10 days/year

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Free Parking

Job summary

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., seeks a full-time Staff Attorney (I or II) to represent immigrants in removal proceedings in Southern California.

The role includes handling relief applications (Asylum, SIJS, Cancellation of Removal), supervising interns, and participating in outreach and policy work to advance immigrant rights.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Active California bar admission required.
• Experience (including internships) in a legal setting, preferably immigration/public interest.
• Interest in working with newly arrived immigrants and clients with mental health issues.
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Team-player with collaboration mindset and passion for social justice.

Responsibilities

• Assist detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.
• Supervise legal interns and/or law students; mentor staff.
• Represent clients in relief applications (Asylum, SIJS, Cancellation of Removal).
• Engage in collaboratives, trainings, community engagement, and policy work.

Skills

Immigration law experience

Legal research

Legal writing

Case management

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

Active California bar admission

Job description

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Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information is available atwww.esperanza-la.org.

Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work primarily in our Representation Program, assisting detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.

The job is for a Staff Attorney I or II depending on expereince.

Responsibilities

The Staff Attorney will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cases under the supervision of a Managing Attorney.

Representation will include applying for relief such as Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Cancellation of Removal, as well as contesting deportation with innovative legal theories.

The Staff Attorney will take on additional responsibilities including supervision of legal interns and/or law students, mentorship of Staff Attorney I and/or paralegals, participating in collaboratives or stakeholder meetings; advocacy and policy; trainings and education; community engagement, and other special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active California bar admission.
• Experience (including internships) in a legal setting (preferably in immigration and/or public interest law).
• Interest in working with young, newly arrived immigrants, clients with criminal histories or past gang affiliation, and those suffering from mental illness required.
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required.
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration; and passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities.

Additional Minimum Qualifications for Staff Attorney II

• At least two years of experience as an attorney in immigration law required; and
• Excellent organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, or Mayan Dialect.
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues.

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 15 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking