Immigration Attorney

Immigration Staff Attorney

Location: Morgan Hill, CA & San Jose, CA (Currently Hybrid)

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt

Why Join Our Team?

At Step Forward Foundation, we are a passionate nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specialized legal services to low-income communities across Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey counties. Our team of social justice-minded professionals works primarily with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We provide representation in immigration, family law, and employment law.

We value compassion, kindness, mental health, and flexibility. At Step Forward, we promote work-life balance and prioritize mental health wellness. Our close-knit team thrives in a supportive and positive environment where you’ll make a real impact on the lives of those we serve. Come join our vibrant, fun, and warm team to make a difference in the community!

Position Overview

We are seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney with expertise in both affirmative immigration processes and removal proceedings to provide comprehensive legal services to immigrant clients. This position involves both one-on-one consultations and direct representation before immigration courts and agencies, such as USCIS, AAO, EOIR, and BIA. The Immigration Staff Attorney is someone dedicated and highly organized and able to work in-person or in a hybrid environment. The Immigration Staff Attorney can support clients in-office for client meetings in our San Jose and Morgan Hill offices. The Immigration Staff Attorney is required to work a 39-hour work week; the 40th hour is dedicated towards mental health. Our general operating hours are 8:30AM to 5PM.

Roles & Responsibilities

• • Direct Legal Representation: Provide legal representation to immigrants before USCIS, AAO, EOIR, and BIA, including case preparation, drafting briefs, and filing motions. Handle administrative responsibilities tied to direct representation.
  • Participation in Rapid Response Networks: Participate in coalition-based rapid response network for individuals for individuals in need by conducting consultations and attend committee meetings as needed.
  • Client-Centered Consultations: Conduct trauma-informed consultations with prospective clients and participate in weekly clinics, legal clinics, and rapid response consultation.
  • Storytelling Advocacy: Create opportunities for clients to share their stories to enhance their cases.
  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of changes in immigration laws, policies, and procedures.
  • Training & Mentorship: Provide guidance and training for DOJ Accredited Representatives, interns, and volunteers.
  • Document Preparation: Compile templates and sample motions to assist staff with technical resources.
  • Collaborations: Build relationships with nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations (CBO), and stakeholders in the criminal and civil justice systems. Attend monthly and quarterly meetings with coalitions.
  • Community Outreach: Assist in developing educational materials, leading know your rights presentations, and conducting outreach for CBOs.
  • Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with data and program reporting requirements.
  • Other Duties: Take on other relevant responsibilities as needed to support the mission of Step Forward Foundation.

Qualifications

• • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and a member in good standing of any state bar (California strongly preferred).
  • Experience with affirmative applications before USCIS (experience with U visas, T visas, VAWA and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status experience preferred). Experience with removal proceedings.
  • Spanish proficiency preferred.
  • A deep commitment to serving low-income communities and crime survivors.
  • Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills; strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work under pressure and take initiative in complex cases.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and independently.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals.
  • California driver’s license and access to a registered vehicle.
  • COVID-19 vaccination required.

Compensation Package

• • Salary: $75,000 – $90,000 per year depending on experience.

• • 100% Employer-Covered Benefits:
  • Medical insurance (health, dental, and vision)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 2 weeks (80 hours) annually
  • Paid Sick Days: 7 days (56 hours) annually
  • 20 Paid Holidays annually
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer contribution
  • Monthly wellness reimbursements
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Bar dues paid by Step Forward
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to apply@stepfwd.org with the subject line: Immigration Staff Attorney Application (All documents must be in PDF format):

• • Cover Letter that demonstrates language proficiency
  • Resume
  • List of three (3) references

Step Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly immigrants and refugees, to apply. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek employment with us.

Ready to make an impact? Join Step Forward Foundation and help us champion justice for the most vulnerable in our communities!

• Eligibility remains intact at this time.

• 100% Employer-Covered Benefits:
  • Medical insurance (health, dental, and vision)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 2 weeks (80 hours) annually
  • Paid Sick Days: 7 days (56 hours) annually
  • 20 Paid Holidays annually
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer contribution
  • Monthly wellness reimbursements
  • Malpractice insurance
  • Bar dues paid by Step Forward
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

English and Spanish proficiency preferred.