Staff Attorney - Removal Defense

THE ORGANIZATION

Al Otro Lado is a binational legal services and immigrant rights organization serving immigrants, asylum seekers and deported persons in Southern California, Tijuana, México, and beyond. We approach cases using a multidisciplinary, client-centered, harm reduction-based lens, and engage in zealous individual representation, medical-legal partnerships, human rights monitoring and impact litigation to protect the rights of individual immigrants and challenge systemic practices that violate the human rights of immigrant communities. We leverage vital partnerships with community-based organizations and academic institutions, and engage thousands of volunteers to maximize our impact and help build a broad-based immigrant justice movement.

For more information about our organization, please visit us on our website at: alotrolado.org/ or visit us on social media: Instagram and Twitter: @alotrolado_org; Facebook: Al Otro Lado.

THE REMOVAL DEFENSE STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION

Al Otro Lado is seeking a Removal Defense Staff Attorney to work with our US Based Advocacy department. The Removal Defense Staff Attorney will be based out of Al Otro Lado’s Los Angeles office. The Staff Attorney will provide legal consultation and representation services to individuals placed in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Staff Attorney must be able to regularly travel to in person court hearings, immigration detention centers, ICE check in’s, and other appointments as necessary for representation in the Los Angeles area. The Removal Defense Staff Attorney will primarily handle cases for matters on the non-detained docket at Los Angeles Immigration Court, as well as the occasional matters at the Santa Ana Immigration Court and San Diego Immigration Court. The Removal Defense Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of the Managing Attorney for Removal Defense and in collaboration with colleagues in the Los Angeles and San Diego offices.

JOB DUTIES

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide representation to immigrants before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (non-detained and detained), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and CA state court proceedings related to clients’ removal proceedings cases;
• Conduct initial client intake/consultations and evaluate eligibility for immigration benefits;
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files;
• Assign casework to legal support staff, including legal assistants and administrative staff and provide review;
• Coordinate closely within our multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to services offered in-house and through partnerships with external providers;
• Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies;
• Participate in administrative team meetings, agency meetings, collaborative/coalition meetings, AILA liaison meetings, community activities and trainings, as deemed appropriate;
• Comply with data management and program reporting requirements;
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• JD from an accredited university;
• Active California State Bar License;
• Experience in broad areas of immigration law and/or criminal justice experience (law school graduates with clinical or equivalent legal experience may be considered);
• Strong bi-lingual (English and Spanish) language competency);
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;
• Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
• Self-directed and self-reliant, highly organized, flexible, innovative, and able to work in a fast-paced setting;
• Adept at learning to use new technology platforms, as well as experience with and proficiency with Microsoft Office and in Google Suites programs such as Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Forms, and Zoom;
• Passion for immigrants’ rights and advocating for justice; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills and respectful of colleagues in a diverse workplace environment
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and/or the ability to travel frequently to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary of $68,640 - $78,000 DOE and is eligible for Al Otro Lado’s comprehensive benefits package.

Al Otro Lado is piloting a 36-hour work week, with a half-day (4 hours) on Fridays. Payroll adjustments are made, as needed, to ensure that all staff receive the same wages as in a 40-hour work week.

This position requires commuting, as needed, in the Southern California area. Mileage and other travel expense reimbursement will be provided.

Al Otro Lado’s comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health benefits: Al Otro Lado contributes up to 90% of employee medical & up to 70% of employee dental and vision premiums. Insurance coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the employee's date of hire.
• Employer Sponsored Insurances: Employer-sponsored Group Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life/ AD&D coverage.
• Optional Coverages: Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Up to three weeks of accrued paid time off per year.
• Paid Holidays: Holidays observed & 2 weeks paid winter break.
• Sabbatical Leave: Employees are eligible for paid Sabbatical Leave after 5 years of full-time employment.
• Paid Parental Leave: Supplemental wage integration following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.
• 403(B): Retirement plan investment opportunities to include Pre-tax or ROTH contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer sponsored plan offering mental health support, legal and financial services

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to jobs@alotrolado.org, with Staff Attorney: Removal Defense in the subject line. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Al Otro Lado values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.

• Health benefits: Al Otro Lado contributes up to 90% of employee medical & up to 70% of employee dental and vision premiums. Insurance coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the employee's date of hire.
• Employer Sponsored Insurances: Employer-sponsored Group Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life/ AD&D coverage.
• Optional Coverages: Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Up to three weeks of accrued paid time off per year.
• Paid Holidays: Holidays observed & 2 weeks paid winter break.
• Sabbatical Leave: Employees are eligible for paid Sabbatical Leave after 5 years of full-time employment.
• Paid Parental Leave: Supplemental wage integration following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.
• 403(B): Retirement plan investment opportunities to include Pre-tax or ROTH contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer sponsored plan offering mental health support, legal and financial services