Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California,

Immigration Attorney

Posted
1 month ago
Employment type
Full-time
Location
Los Angeles
Closing date

About this organization

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the leading civil rights advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We combat discrimination, offer free legal services and workshops in Southern California (LA and OC), and drive policy change from local to national levels. Rooted in the legacy of our immigrant forebears and fueled by modern advocacy, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice.

About this job

ABOUT THE ROLE

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for performing client counseling and representation duties. The Staff Attorney meets with and advises clients of immigrant legal rights and issues, conducts legal research and writing, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other legal duties. The Staff Attorney works directly on complex immigration cases, with a current emphasis on relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, DACA, and Removal Defense. The Staff Attorney represents clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Staff Attorney provides technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration, and staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Staff Attorney conducts immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. The position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit.

Roles & responsibilities

Your day-to-day typically includes:

75% Client support and representation for various types of immigration cases

Provide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum offices

Provide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIR

Prepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients

Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables

Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance

15% Community Outreach & Education

Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests

Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and adult education centers to present information sessions on Naturalization and Immigration law

10% Immigration & Citizenship Legal Clinic Support

Provide consults, legal support and review at weekly clinics at onsite and remote locations

Help train and oversee work of volunteers at workshops and clinics

Work closely with the Immigration Director to help plan and strategize culturally competent service models to address relevant immigration needs

Aid in operational elements of clinic including preparation, setup, and break down

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

J.D. and active membership in California State Bar

Minimum one (1) year of immigration experience, preferably with removal proceeding experience and experience working with refugees, victims of domestic violence, crimes, and trafficking.

Experience assisting immigrant, limited English speaking and/or low-income clients

Experience appearing in immigration court preferred

Experience or familiarity with AAPI community preferred

Excellent legal writing, speaking, and organizational skills

Ability to communicate effectively with clients

Bilingual fluency in an AAPI language strongly preferred

Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently

Availability and willingness to regularly travel within the county and state

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Access to reliable means of transportation required

To apply

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=165857&clientkey=625E725CDD5897519300C7557C761ED5

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