Legal Fellow

California ChangeLawyers is partnering with the California Department of Social Services and immigrant rights organizations, including Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), to hire one (1) legal fellow committed to providing immigration legal services in the Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino). There will be a strong preference for candidates who are licensed and wanting to pursue legal careers within the Inland Empire. Recent graduates are also welcome to apply. The fellow will join an existing cohort of seven fellows who are in their second year of a three year fellowship. This fellowship will conclude in August of 2026.

The Immigration Legal Fellow will receive intensive legal training on immigration law, particularly removal defense representation and immigrant rights as well as hands-on experience representing clients before the immigration court and other federal agencies.

The Fellow will be hosted on-site at the San Bernardino office of CHIRLA. CHIRLA will act as the Employer of Record for the Fellow for the duration of the Fellowship. The Fellow will be assigned a Mentor Attorney from the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ), who will provide legal guidance, technical assistance and mentorship throughout the fellowship. The Fellowship cohort will have access to leadership development and networking opportunities provided by California ChangeLawyers as well as ongoing legal training provided by the ILRC.

Fellowship Duties will include:

• Participate in all orientation and training sessions provided to the cohort.

• Shadow experienced attorneys working on immigration cases.

• Participate in Know Your Rights orientation sessions at immigration detention centers, and provide pro se assistance to detained individuals.

• With the assistance of a Mentor Attorney and Supervising CHIRLA attorney, work on a variety of immigration cases, including preparing applications, declarations, and supporting evidence as well as providing representation in bond hearings, removal hearings, and other immigration interviews.

• Participate in on-going legal training and capacity building opportunities as well as regular case rounds sessions with the entire Fellowship cohort.

• Actively participate in leadership development activities and annual Fellowship Convenings.

• California or other state bar license preferred.

• Law school graduate.

• Experience or demonstrated commitment to serving immigrant communities.

• Prior experience working in an immigration legal service organization preferred but not required.

• Strong ties to California’s Inland Empire, with a preference for those pursuing long-term careers in the regions.

• Willingness to live and work in the Inland Empire.

• Open to working in any of the host organizations’ locations.

• Willingness and flexibility to be as responsive to community needs as needed.

• Able to travel for training and legal representation.

• Candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the legal profession are strongly encouraged to apply.