Immigration Justice Project - Staff Attorney - Legal Defense Program

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Immigration Justice Project - Staff Attorney - Legal Defense Program
Duties: Provide direct representation to detained or locally released immigrants with bond or removal proceedings before the Otay Mesa or San Diego Immigration Courts, including Regularly advocating for the release of detained clients with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). Working with clients to identify theories of defense particular to each case, preparing clients to submit declarations in support of applications for relief or protection, and preparing clients for court hearings. Preparing applications for immigration relief such as asylum, T-Visas, U-Visas, cancellation of removal, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and other relief as appropriate. Preparing for and appearing at Master Calendar and Individual Hearings before the immigration court. Researching, writing, and arguing motions and pre-hearing statements in support of the client’s theory of defense. Working with interpreters, experts, and other witnesses to prepare written and in-court testimony. Maintaining case files, documentation, and data integrity using IJP’s case management system. Developing and maintaining legal proficiency in the delivery of immigration legal services. Providing legal services in connection with orientation and pro se legal assistance programs, reviewing referrals from those programs, and identifying cases that are eligible for LDP representation. Mentoring pro bono attorneys, volunteers, legal interns, and legal assistants, as needed. Building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders, including other service providers, government counsel, and immigration judges. Participating in internal and external professional development opportunities, including training designed for qualified representatives (QRs) of mentally incompetent noncitizens. Observing ethical practices regarding confidentiality and maintaining a high standard of professional conduct. Performing other related duties as required.

Qualification and Experience

Qualifications: Juris Doctorate (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory, with current Bar membership in good standing. Fluent in English in written and spoken forms. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products, Google tools, and video teleconference software. Preferred Qualifications: Fluency in Spanish or a third language (e.g., Portuguese) in written and spoken forms. Licensed to practice law and member of the State Bar of California with 1+ years of experience. Prior volunteer, community, or work experience with immigrants, asylum seekers, or refugees, or in the field of immigration or detention. Prior experience and professional dedication to providing legal services on behalf of people in custody, members of oppressed and marginalized groups, and people with a prior history of involvement in the criminal and immigration legal systems.

Min Salary/Max Salary

Company info

Hiring Coordinator
American Bar Association (ABA)
2727 Caminso Del Rio
San Diego, CA