Family Law Attorney in San Diego, CA

Profile

Senior Attorney RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensure that unaccompanied children residing in shelters and other facilities have access to appropriate know-your-rights orientations. Ensure that particularly vulnerable children are screened for protection needs and relief and that pertinent referrals for services are made to NGO and other partners, in addition to pursuing protection strategies. Build relationships across the border with other legal and community organizations supporting unaccompanied children, identifying gaps in services where expertise can supplement existing programs. Monitor treatment of unaccompanied children. Coordinate the activities of legal services staff and pro bono volunteers deployed on a temporary basis to assist in carrying out the functions the project. Attend meetings, conferences, and other events as a representative. Serve as a liaison to U.S. government officials in cases of extreme urgency or need, where coordination between the U.S. Document conditions of care, access to counsel, and other activities affecting unaccompanied children at the border. Coordinate with U.S. field offices to ensure continuity of representation where possible. In cases where is not in a position to represent an unaccompanied child, work with Senior Director for Pro Bono Partnerships and other Legal Services team colleagues to refer the case to other service providers. Conduct presentations and trainings on U.S. law regarding unaccompanied children for a broad range of stakeholders on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Help ensure cross-component collaboration with Policy, Advocacy and Communications team and Regional team. Undertake direct legal counsel functions as needed, including: legal research and formulating the legal strategy for individual cases; conducting client interviews; appearing before immigration agencies; and drafting and filing court pleadings and applications for relief. Ensure entry of timely, accurate, and detailed case data into case management systems. Support reporting and grant proposals as needed. Contribute to overall team functioning, including joining team meetings and organization-wide calls and meetings; participating in team, office, and -wide committees; and assisting with office events; and,. As needed, supervise Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, interns, and/or other non-legal staff including: onboarding, skills training, daily support and coaching, review and quality assurance of filings, regular check-ins and performance evaluations, and provision of consistent and effective supervision and oversight.

Qualification and Experience

REQUIREMENTS: JD Degree or equivalent from accredited U.S. or Mexican law school and admission to the Bar in at least one U.S. state or territory and/or Mexico (cédula profesional or equivalent). 3-5 years’ experience practicing immigration law required, including representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas and T visas, or similar protections under Mexican law. 2+ years’ experience supervising legal staff or demonstrated equivalency reflecting proven exemplary skills in mentoring staff or volunteers or managing complex projects. 3+ years’ experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, or experience working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma. Exposure to or familiarity with Mexican immigration system and child welfare laws preferred. Experience working with pro bono attorneys or other legal volunteers. A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills. Experience communicating with Mexico- or Latin-America-based officials and NGO partners preferred. Demonstrated writing and public speaking/training skills. Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work independently. Ability to handle discreet, sensitive, and confidential information appropriately and exercise judgment in a fast-paced environment. Proven interpersonal skills – can build rapport and credibility quickly with people at all levels, ranging from children to government officials. Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently-changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic work. Spanish and English fluency (written and oral) required. Ability to read and comprehend Mexican and Central American legal documents required.

Additional info

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