Immigration Removal Defense Attorney (Staff or Senior Staff)

La Raza Centro Legal, San Francisco is a 53-year-old non-profit organization in San Francisco’s Mission District that provides free legal representation to low-income community members and immigrants in the Bay Area and California’s Central Valley detention centers. We assist those in need with services in Immigration Law, Elder & Disability Law, and Workers’ Rights. We pride ourselves on our collaborative, professional, and inclusive culture, and we provide high-quality legal services to the community we serve. Our staff is offered opportunities for professional development, and office culture supports work-life balance.

Job Description

The Immigration Removal Defense Attorney at La Raza Centro Legal will represent clients in removal proceedings. The attorney will manage an individual caseload, assist individuals in limited scope pro se filings, respond to the San Francisco and San Mateo Rapid Response hotlines, serve as attorney of the day in Concord Immigration Court, participate in community outreach events and presentations, complete grant reporting, assist with fundraising efforts, and other tasks.

Clinical and Case Work Responsibilities

• • Prepare applications for asylum, cancellation of removal, SIJS, U Visa, T Visa, and other avenues of relief from deportation.
  • Write motions, briefs, and prepare clients for individual hearings.
  • Represent individuals in BIA appeals and Ninth Circuit petitions for review.
  • Assist the removal defense team in meeting grant deliverables, such as taking as rapid response shifts and serving as attorney of the day.
  • Attend immigration clinics and conduct intake screenings.
  • Represent clients at asylum office interviews.
  • Ensure that legal work is consistent with agency mission.

Community Education Responsibilities

• • Conduct know-your-rights presentations and information sessions.
  • Develop informational materials on immigration law.
  • Represent La Raza Centro Legal at various coalition meetings.

Responsibilities – Immigration Program:

• • Attend team meetings.
  • Assist with funding reporting requirements.
  • Assist with case management systems.
  • Assist in the overflow work of the program.

Responsibilities – Agency Wide

• • Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
  • Assist with fundraising and grant writing for the agency.
  • Represent the agency to the community at meetings, public events, media outreach, and other forums.

Salary & Benefits:

• • Competitive salary: $106,700 to $116,700 per year (depending on experience)
  • Group health and dental insurance coverage for employee and eligible dependents
  • 13 paid union holidays per year plus a two-week winter break that includes December 25 and New Year’s Day
  • Generous vacation and sick leave time
  • Comp time
  • 3% employer retirement plan match
  • Hybrid position; we work in our San Francisco office three days per week
  • Union SEIU Local 1021 position

Requirements

• • Fluent, bilingual and biliterate, in Spanish and English.
  • J.D. and licensed in good standing; CA bar admission is a plus.
  • Strong research and writing skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Interest in immigration law and passionate about issues affecting immigrants.
  • Sensitivity to working with children and survivors of trauma.
  • Team player, positive demeanor, ability to prioritize key tasks and timely meet task deadlines.
  • Willingness to mentor and supervise law clerks, volunteers, and interns.
  • Ability to travel to Concord Immigration Court to represent clients in person.