Staff Attorney-Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Job Description

Job Description

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

Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work primarily in our Representation Program, assisting detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.

Responsibilities:

• The Staff Attorney will work primarily under the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) pursuant to the Franco-Gonzales v. Holder class action.
• Under this program, the Staff Attorney is appointed as Qualified Representative for individuals with mental disabilities who are facing deportation and are unable to represent themselves in court.
• The Staff Attorney will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cases under the supervision of the Managing Attorney for NQRP.
• Representation will include litigating complex and interesting cases in immigration court, including cases that involve asylum, cancellation of removal, creative arguments against removability, and “crimmigration.”
• Travel may be required, including out of state.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active bar admission (California state bar preferred but not required).
• Experience (including internships) in the legal setting (preferably in immigration and/or public interest law).
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required.
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities
• Proficiency in a third language, preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues preferred.
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.

When applying simultaneously submit a cover letter, resume, 3 references and a brief writing sample (5 pages or less).

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 12 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• Short and Long Term Disability
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking