Description:
The Asian Law Alliance is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide quality immigration services and representation to low-income individuals. The Staff Attorney will also supervise volunteers and interns, represent ALA in different events and coalitions, and maintain high standards for legal protocols and record-keeping. The job is hybrid requiring a minimum of two days in-person at the ALA office in San Jose, California, for team/staff meetings, clinics, client appointments, and other events as needed.Agency Description: The Asian Law Alliance (ALA) is a non-profit community law office that has provided legal services, community education and advocacy services since 1977 to the Asian and Pacific Islanders communities in Santa Clara County. Priority areas are immigration, housing, domestic violence, public benefits and civil rights.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Counseling and Representation: Conduct intake and evaluate matters for purposes of placement at ALA or referral to other providers; provide representation in both affirmative and defensive immigration cases before USCIS, EOIR and the BIA; maintain a reasonable caseload, which will include screening, advising and representing clients in cases including but not limited to U-visas, VAWA, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Naturalization, Removal, and DACA.
Community Education: Organize and conduct presentations on various legal topics. Drafting and reviewing community education pamphlets
Community Organizing/Advocacy: Advocacy work on community issues as required; networking with other service providers, organizations and government agencies to enhance services to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities
Volunteer Training and Supervision: Train and supervise pro bono attorneys, students, and community members for ALA clinics and casework
Supporting fundraising, community outreach and volunteer recruitment: Help strengthen the visibility of ALA by contributing content to promote effective outreach and service to the community
Qualifications:
- Must be an active member in good standing of the State Bar. California Bar membership is preferred but not required
- Experience in immigration law, especially removal defense, is strongly preferred but not a requirement.
- Experience or willingness to be trained in litigation skills
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Ability to pay attention to detail and maintain organized case files, case notes and other logs as needed
- Strong and professional verbal and written communication skills, including an ability to appropriately adjust communication styles for the intended audience
- Ability to quickly learn and adapt to using technology including but not limited to Microsoft 365, case management database, Zoom, and other platforms or equipment
- Must have a demonstrated compassion, understanding of and commitment to the needs of the low-income immigrant community.
- Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively and collaboratively with fellow staff and supervisors
- Experience or ability to effectively use interpreters or document translators
- Bilingual skills in Asian Pacific Islander language or Spanish highly desirable
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends
- California driver's license and own vehicle required
- Required to be fully vaccinated with FDA-approved Covid-19 vaccine prior to first day of employment.
