Description:
Experienced Northern California Immigration Attorneys, a well-respected and collegial immigration law firm with offices in Oakland, CA, and Brooklyn, NY, is seeking a full-time associate attorney for our Oakland office.We are a small but dedicated firm specializing in removal defense, family-based immigration, naturalization, asylum, waivers, and U visas. Spanish fluency is strongly preferred, but we will consider exceptionally well-qualified candidates who do not speak Spanish.
About the Position:
The associate attorney will handle a broad range of immigration cases, with a primary focus on removal defense. While our associates are given significant independence, we foster a highly supportive and collaborative work environment.
We recognize that immigration law, particularly removal defense, can be emotionally and mentally demanding. As a firm, we are deeply committed to maintaining a healthy work environment and supporting the well-being of our staff. While we are a fast-paced, busy office, we actively promote work-life balance to help prevent burnout.
Position is generally in-office four days a week, and one day a week from home, with some flexibility as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct consultations with prospective clients.
- Manage an independent caseload, primarily focusing on removal cases.
- Represent clients before Immigration Court, USCIS, ICE, the BIA, and federal courts.
- Conduct legal research and draft filings for the above agencies and courts.
- Occasionally travel outside of San Francisco for hearings or case-related matters (a valid driver's license is strongly preferred).
- Visit detained clients in person at detention centers as needed.
- Provide legal advice to criminal defense attorneys regarding the immigration consequences of criminal pleas.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Ideally, 2+ years of immigration law experience, though we will consider new graduates with prior immigration experience as paralegals, interns, or clinic participants.
- Licensed and in good standing with any state bar (California preferred).
- Strong preference for fluency (or high proficiency) in Spanish.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster.