Staff Attorney II

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information is available at www.esperanza-la.org. 

Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in our Community Education program. The immigration court system does not provide court-appointed counsel to individuals facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our Community Education program to obtain critical information about the process. The Community Education program was created to more effectively meet this need and guide pro se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration system.

Responsibilities: 

The Staff Attorney II will work under the direct supervision of a manager to provide various self-help services for non-detained adults and families. The core program services include; legal orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; intake and follow-up services; self-help workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance or social services. Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting Friend of Court services during hearings;
• Supervising interns, volunteers, and/or other staff; 
• Creating and properly maintaining participant files;
• Referring individuals to social services;
• Developing and updating legal program materials and presentation techniques; and
• Expanding access to counsel through pro bono referrals.

Qualifications:

      Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate;
• Active bar admission or awaiting bar results (California state bar preferred, but not required);
• At least two years of experience as an attorney in immigration law required;
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required;
• Spanish language proficiency required and will be tested at time of interview;
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration; and
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities. 

      Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, particularly with children, families, or clients with mental health issues; and
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.