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POSITION DESCRIPTION: This is a full-time, exempt position. The Immigration Senior Staff Attorney reports to the Managing Attorney. Supports Managing Attorney’s operation of Detained and Non-Detained EOIR, Affirmative Asylum and Unaccompanied Minor legal programs. Provides development support to Staff Attorneys, Volunteer Attorneys, and Legal Interns. Conduct screenings and consultations, as needed, review staff intakes, and provide legal opinion as to acceptance of new cases/clients for legal services.
Will manage individual caseload, providing robust direct legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in San Diego and Imperial counties in affirmative and defensive immigration matters. This work may include representing clients before the San Diego Immigration Court, Imperial Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, USCIS, ICE ERO (parole), Los Angeles Asylum Office, and the Superior Court of California (San Diego Family Court and Probate Court - CA attorneys only). Conducts legal screenings of detained and non-detained clients, works with managing attorney to determine eligibility for representation of potential client, provides immigration legal services, including determining eligibility for immigration benefits and need for referral to other benefits providers internally and externally. Completes legal applications and petitions, collaborating with the Catholic Charities affirmative legal team for affirmative legal support. Provides know your rights presentations and short-term legal assistance at Catholic Charities emergency border shelters in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Provides legal support to Refugee Services case management programs. Provides legal immigration representation to unaccompanied minors upon release to sponsors by the ORR.
The position includes travel to the various legal forums where representation is required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This is a hybrid position, with some remote work possible, as needed and consistent with program objectives.
AGENCY CULTURE:
The business and social environment in which our Agency operates is continuously changing.
To thrive, we much incorporate new ways of thinking and embrace new practices. As part of
this cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the
following:
A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values (“We Do the Right Thing”)
A commitment to excellence in everything we do (“We Do Things Right”)
A commitment to achieving desired outcomes and measured results (Everything Matters”)
A commitment to innovation and to what is possible (“Creativity and Generativity”)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist the Managing Attorney to carry out supervisory responsibilities of volunteer attorneys and legal interns in accordance with the agency’s policies and applicable laws.
ESSENTIAL FUCTIONS:
Legal Representation
Conduct legal consultations and determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Prepare and file cases for individuals in removal proceedings in detained and non-detained context. Representation will be provided in both San Diego and Imperial counties.
Manage individual Unaccompanied Minors caseload and SIJ petitions post-predicate order.
Provide legal opinion as to acceptance of new cases/clients for legal services.
Preparation and submission of applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation before the EOIR in Detained and Non-Detained immigration court, or in affirmative USCIS processes.
Works in partnership with Managing Attorney to develop and recommend strategy for all EOIR cases, detained and non-detained, as subject matter expert on litigation strategy and case development.
Serves as EOIR litigation specialist and team consultant for individual hearings. Covers other appearances as needed and practicable for RIS attorneys.
Attend trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy. Provide training to affirmative legal team, including case review upon request.
Additional training on AOS and complex waiver will be needed.
Community Engagement
Work with bond funds and other non-profits as required to support legal services.
Travel as needed to any of the Agency sites.
Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on immigration law and understanding individual rights.
Work with Program Support Manager on RIS department projects, upon RIS director’s request.
Program Development
Assist department administration in the development and expansion of its immigration services and resources to include expanded program and scope of services, to potentially include BIA appeals, predicate order procurement, low-bono representation, asylum clinics, other goals as desired.
Support managing attorney as lead for attorney volunteer and intern program.
Assist managing attorney, based on need, to administer attorney programming.
AGENCY ENGAGEMENT/ PROCEDURES
Follow established program protocols
Adhere to all agency policies and procedures
Submit program reports and statistics in a timely manner
Participate in departmental meetings, on-line webinars and other training opportunities
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Ability to counsel clients regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and eligibility.
Ability to represent clients before USCIS and Immigration Court.
Ability to provide training to volunteer attorneys and interns regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, eligibility criteria.
Must possess strong legal research and writing skills.
Familiarity of local DHS and EOIR offices and procedures, preferred.
Bilingual English/ Spanish, preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Valid California Drivers License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements. Member of the Bar Association, preferably California.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to travel to various locations to support the needs of the program.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Catholic Charities reserves the right to revise job descriptions as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Last Updated: February 2023. Start Date: Immediate.
Catholic Charities is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization and employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.