Staff Attorney Immigration (Hybrid)

Community Legal Aid SoCal; Norwalk (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Schedule

35-hour workweek (possible)

Paid holidays and PTO

Medical, dental, vision, life, long‑l0

401(k) with employer contribution

Student loan reimbursement

Bilingual bonus pay

Job summary

Community Legal Aid SoCal is seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney to join the Immigration Unit and provide representation to qualified immigrants in a range of immigration matters. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and may involve supervision of paralegals and law students.

The role requires a J.D. and active California Bar membership, plus substantial experience in humanitarian-based claims and client-centered advocacy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years practice in immigration law with humanitarian-based claims.
• Active bar membership; ability to register as a legal services provider in CA or elsewhere.
• Experience serving vulnerable populations and trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload including SIV, asylum, U-Visa, VAWA, and naturalization cases.
• Represent clients before USCIS and EOIR with strong advocacy.
• Supervise paralegals, interns, and volunteers; provide training and review filings.
• Engage in outreach, community education, and policy advocacy with partners.

Skills

Immigration law

Client counseling

Legal research

Paralegal supervision

Case management

Bilingual (preferred)

Education

Juris Doctor degree and California Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Interested in providing free legal services to the community, join the team today!

The Immigration Staff Attorney will work as a member of the Immigration Unit to provide representation to qualified immigrants in a variety of immigration cases. This full-time exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of immigration cases, including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Adjustment of Status.
• Represent clients both before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and EOIR Immigration Court.
• As needed, supervise paralegals, including onboarding, skills training, and review of filings.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Represent clients, counsel and advise clients in legal matters.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
• Engage in case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Engage in policy advocacy, coordinate, and collaborate in policy campaigns with partner community-based organizations to improve systemic issues.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• At least 5 years or more experience in Immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, T visas, or VAWA Self-petitions.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal's values and mission.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.

Holistic Benefits

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.

Salary Description

$80,000 to $98,000 (DOE)