Description:

Job Summary:
Directly reporting to the Immigration Team Supervising Attorney, The Immigration Staff Attorney will work alongside two (2) other Immigration Staff Attorneys, two (2) paralegals. The Staff Attorney shall work on both removal defense cases and affirmative immigration cases, dependent on capacity. The Immigration Staff Attorney will have the ability to train and learn from their colleagues as their capacity necessitates.

The Immigration Staff Attorney must be bilingual (English/Spanish), possesses the ability to work efficiently and independently, and has great attention to detail and organizational skills. This role will be strongly motivated to serve the immigrant community, be client-service oriented, and feel comfortable working with vulnerable individuals including trauma survivors. This is a full-time position (Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week) with a hybrid (in person and remote) work arrangement available upon completion of a 90 day employment probationary period.

Responsibilities:
Case Management:
  • Provide eligibility and risk assessment, full representation, limited liability services, and legal consultations to low income clients filing immigration applications, including but not limited to family-based petitions, DACA, special immigrant juvenile status, naturalization, adjustments of status, asylum and related removal defense applications.
  • Dedicate 1 week a month to the Rapid Response Network. Rapid Response duties may consist of but are not limited to: Providing educational and legal representation to protect the due process rights of San Francisco residents and to advocate on their behalf in the event that they are detained by ICE.
  • Ability to handle 20-30 removal defense cases.
  • Ability to act independently and to identify and access resources to assist in preparing cases.
  • Comfortable working with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrates initiative and has the ability to work as a team member.
  • Advanced legal research and writing skills.
  • Maintain Legal Best Practices: Comply with best practices for non-profit immigration law practice, including ethical considerations, legal ramifications, fee collection, maintenance of client files and data for reporting requirements. Participate in regular peer review meetings and legal training.
  • Oversee paralegals, ensuring the provision of high-quality intakes, legal screenings and orientations.
  • Very strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
  • Exceptional time management skills – ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment.
  • Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of the low-income, culturally diverse immigrant community.
  • Experience in developing and providing services to the target population preferred.
  • Proficiency in a Windows/PC environment, and able to quickly become proficient in the use of LRCRC's immigration law software and database.
  • All other duties: Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by their supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
  • Education & Certification: Juris Doctor (J.D.) and current Bar Membership in good standing (California strongly preferred).
  • 1–3 years of experience providing direct legal immigration services
  • Working knowledge of immigration law, policies, and procedures.
  • Experience working on affirmative and defensive asylum, adjustment of status, consular processing, among other, applications
  • Excellent verbal and written communication in both English and Spanish.
  • Proficiency with MS Office, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Knowledge of working with Google and Cerenade preferred
  • Ability to work well under pressure.
  • Excellent interpersonal and client service skills.