Description:

A Next-Generation, 501(c)3 Social Justice Law Firm is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.

ImmDef represents thousands of adults, children and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system. ImmDef is currently seeking full-time staff attorneys to join our team of fearless advocates providing creative and zealous representation to our clients. Staff attorneys will be joining the largest non-profit, universal representation model deportation defense team in the state of California.

Our attorneys work collaboratively within our team of staff including managing and directing attorneys, paralegals, administrative support staff and case managers to provide client-centered, holistic representation. This is a rewarding and exciting position where the successful applicant will be engaged in cutting edge immigration litigation for individual clients with an overarching organizational goal of fighting for a more just immigration system.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staff attorneys will be assigned to one of ImmDef's removal defense projects that focus on serving the following communities: unaccompanied children (detained in government custody and released to sponsors), adults with mental competency issues, individuals and families facing deportation and family separation, adults detained in ICE prisons.
Provide high-quality, client-centered representation for clients facing deportation proceedings;
Determine eligibility for legal relief and develop legal strategy case plans;
Travel to shelters for unaccompanied children, ICE detention centers and other custodial settings to interview and prepare clients, take declarations, complete immigration benefit applications and provide legal advice;
Represent individuals in court at initial or prolonged custody redetermination hearings, master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings and in ancillary state court proceedings;
Represent clients before USCIS at asylum interviews, credible fear interviews, ICE check-ins and other immigration related appointments;
Prepare and submit country conditions, declarations and other supporting evidence for applications to defend clients against removal;
Work with country conditions experts, expert witnesses, psychologists and medical professionals to develop supporting evidence for immigration relief applications;
Work collaboratively with colleagues and participate in weekly group case review, on-site trainings and provide supervision for support staff's legal work;
Support ImmDef's overall mission by working closely with colleagues and ImmDef leadership on various initiatives through community engagement, peer mentoring and event participation.

Requirements:

Juris Doctorate;
Active California State Bar License or licensure from another state and, if required, willingness to "waive into" the CA Bar via the Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Program;
Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;
Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories;
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.
Passion for social justice for immigrants required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with the following forms of immigration cases is helpful: asylum/WOR/CAT, special immigrant juvenile status (child custody/family court/guardianship), cancellation, waivers, adjustment of status, immigration consequences of criminal convictions, bond, humanitarian parole, post-conviction relief, habeas petitions, BIA appeals, motions to reopen, naturalization.
Experience in immigration law (non-profit or private practice) is a plus, but not required as we are ready and able to provide training;
Experience working with survivors is helpful, including populations that have experienced trauma, abuse and persecution;
Knowledge of best practices in working with clients with mental competency issues, including those suffering from mental health challenges and children, is a plus;
Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.
DACA Recipients encouraged to apply!