Staff Attorney

Job description

The Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) seeks a full-time, bilingual staff attorney. ICWC is a non-profit legal organization providing immigration services to underrepresented immigrants in California and Nevada. ICWC strives to provide security and stability for children who are abused, abandoned, or neglected and for immigrants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. The organization primarily works with federal immigration laws that allow marginalized immigrants apply for work authorization and permanent residency.

ICWC’s team is recognized nationally for its humanitarian immigration law expertise and for the exceptional legal services it provides to immigrants who are survivors of trauma. To date, ICWC has served more than 75,000 individuals. More information about ICWC is available at www.icwclaw.org.

The salary range is $78,000 - 90,000 for licensed attorneys annually, depending on experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The staff attorney will provide direct immigration legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes; and will also represent unaccompanied immigrant children who fled abuse in their home country and are in, or released from, federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody. Those duties would include: conducting client intake, case assessment, and ongoing case management; researching and drafting legal documents and attending court hearings. The attorney will work collaboratively with social service and law enforcement agencies. The attorney's casework would involve providing relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U visa, asylum, and/or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The staff attorney will collaborate with other attorneys, legal assistants, administrative assistants, and volunteers at ICWC. The attorney may supervise law students and other volunteers.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor degree
• Active bar admission, California bar preferred but not required. Law graduates who will sit for the February 2026 California bar exam may also apply.

Other Qualifications:

• Immigration law experience preferred (including law school clinic experience and internships)
• U visa, VAWA, SIJS, and/or asylum experience preferred
• Strong writing skills and meticulous attention to detail
• A demonstrated interest in low-income legal services and/or a commitment to immigrants' rights
• Ability to work effectively with youth and survivors of trauma
• Desire to work collaboratively within a team, including administrative and legal assistants
• Adept at delegating tasks effectively and appropriately to support staff
• Ability to work effectively and communicate with external stakeholders, including law enforcement

Come join a diverse and inclusive team that genuinely values and respects each individual's contributions and works collaboratively as a group. Experience a supportive work environment that prioritizes work-life balance and promotes overall employee well-being. The role involves weekly on-site work - once onboarded and trained, the attorney may incorporate some remote work days.

To apply - please attach (1) your resume and (2) a cover letter addressed to Deputy Director, Jessica Farb at jess@icwclaw.org

Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurances, a retirement plan with employer match, FSA (flexible spending account for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses), and reimbursement for wellness activities. Generous paid-time off, in addition to office closures for 13 state and federal holidays and a week-long winter break. A relocation stipend is also available.

Demonstrated ability to regularly communicate directly with clients in English and/or Spanish.