Staff Attorney II-Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Job Description

Job DescriptionEsperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. The immigration court system does not provide court-appointed counsel to individuals facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our community education programs to obtain critical information about the process, understand their legal options and access assistance. Esperanza’s community education programs were established to more effectively meet this need and to guide pro se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration system. Core services of the programs include legal orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; intake and follow-up services; self-help workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance or social services. More information can be found about Esperanza at www.esperanza-la.org

Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney II to work primarily in our Representation Program, assisting detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.

Responsibilities:

• The Staff Attorney II will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cases under the supervision of a Managing Attorney.
• Representation will include applying for relief such as Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Cancellation of Removal, as well as contesting deportation with innovative legal theories.
• The Staff Attorney II will take on additional responsibilities including supervision of legal interns and/or law students, mentorship of Staff Attorney I and/or paralegals, participating in collaboratives or stakeholder meetings; advocacy and policy; trainings and education; community engagement, and other special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active bar admission (California state bar preferred, but not required);
• At least two years of experience as an attorney in immigration law required.
• Interest in working with young, newly arrived immigrants, clients with criminal histories or past gang affiliation, and those suffering from mental illness required.
• Excellent organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required.
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration.
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities.
• Commitment to sitting for next available California bar exam preferred.
• Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, or Mayan Dialect, preferred.
• Experience working in public interest law.
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues.
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 12 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking