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POSITION DESCRIPTION
This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Managing Attorney. The Immigration Staff Attorney will provide robust direct legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in San Diego and Imperial counties in affirmative and defensive immigration matters. Provides professional guidance to program staff who handle routine and moderately complex cases for low and moderate-income groups of any religious persuasion. Conducts screenings, legal assessment and review of complex cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits and need for referral to other legal providers. Provides consultation and completes applications in selected cases as well as some oversight of overlapping affirmative immigration remedies. The position includes travel to Otay Mesa and Imperial Valley Detention Center (Agency vehicle provided for travel), education, outreach regarding I-589 and preparation of client removal cases. Other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Immigration Staff Attorney will provide robust direct legal representation to low-income immigrant individuals and families in San Diego and Imperial counties in defensive immigration matters. This position serves clients from San Diego and Imperial counties but will be based out of our San Diego office.
Legal Representation
- Conduct legal consultations and determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Prepare and file cases for individuals in removal proceedings, in the detained context. Representation will be provided in both San Diego and Imperial counties.
- Represent clients in the following types of proceedings before EOIR with the following: custody redetermination hearings, defensive asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture.
- Representation in asylum interviews before USCIS;
- Draft declarations, legal briefs, motions and pleadings; and
- Attend trainings and courses to remain updated on immigration law and policy.
- Travel as needed and directed to any of the Agency sites, to detention facilities or courts as required.
- Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on filling out I-589 and preparing a removal case.
- Participate in workshops for the public and collaborative partners on filling out I-589 and preparing a removal case.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
- Jurisprudence Degree plus experience in immigration removal defense.
- License to practice law in State of California. Must be in good standing.
- 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 staff regarding immigration law, procedures, forms, and 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 driver's License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements. Admitted and in good standing with U.S. state bar or territory, preferably California. Access to and admission in Federal Court.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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.
BENEFITS:
Catholic Charities offers a full line of benefits to select from: Medical, dental, vision. prescription drugs, life insurance, Cash Balance Retirement Plan, 403(b), vacation, 15 holidays and sick time.
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.