Staff Attorney

We are looking for a Staff Attorney to join our team in Los Angeles!WHO WE AREAsian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization that advocates for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. AJSOCAL offers free legal help, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for policy change. Our services are open to individuals of all races and ethnicities, without restriction. AJSOCAL strives to be a champion for the most vulnerable members of the AAPI communities, while advancing civil rights and social justice for everyone.Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country.We provide supportive services for individuals wanting to start the immigration process through Family-Based Immigration, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, the Violence Against Women Act, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T-Visa, and U-Visa. We also offer free citizenship workshops and resources to help you on your naturalization journey. Beyond immigration, we also lead community-centered initiatives such as the Asian Language Legal Intake Project (ALLIP), the Survivor and Family Empowerment (SAFE) Project, the Housing Preservation (HP) Program, and our Health Access Project (HAP). In addition, our Demographic Research Project (DRP) and Community Engagement (CE) teams drive data-informed strategies and grassroots partnerships that deepen our impact across Southern California. Our Impact Litigation Team looks to create systemic change for our communities, while our Policy Team continues to shape laws and local practices that impact millions of Asian American and immigrant families across California.WHAT WE BRINGThe special opportunity to join a mission driven teamFlexible, hybrid work schedulesRich medical, dental and vision benefitsRetirement options through 403B and matchWHO YOU AREYou share our mission of advocacy for Asian Pacific Americans. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.WHAT YOU BRINGJ.D. and active membership in California State BarMinimum 1-3 years of immigration experience, including immigration court experience, with experience working with victims of crimes and removal proceedings.Experience assisting immigrant, limited English speaking and/or low-income clientsExperience or familiarity with AAPI community preferredExcellent legal writing, speaking, and organizational skillsAbility to communicate effectively with clientsBilingual fluency in an AAPI language strongly preferredMust be self-motivated with the ability to work independentlyAvailability and willingness to regularly travel within the county and stateAbility to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekendsAccess to reliable means of transportation requiredABOUT THE ROLEUnder the direction of the Program Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for performing client counseling and representation duties. The Staff Attorney meets with and advises clients of immigrant legal rights and issues, conducts legal research and writing, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other legal duties. The Staff Attorney works directly on complex immigration cases, with a current emphasis on relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, DACA, and Removal Defense. The Staff Attorney represents clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Staff Attorney provides technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration, and staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Staff Attorney conducts immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. This is a fixed term position and IS covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit.Your day-to-day responsibilities75% Provide direct application assistance with immigration casesUndertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct application assistance;Conduct legal review of immigration cases;Provide legal representation for diverse clients with immigration cases before USCIS and Immigration Court;Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverablesTravel to USCIS Field Offices, detention centers, and immigration court to represent clients in immigration matters15% Provide Technical Assistance and SupportOrganize and implement various immigration trainings to staff and community partnersWork with intake staff to review and approve appointments, provide immigration legal consultations, answer immigration related questions and review documents;Provide technical assistance, legal review, and/or coordination support of workshops and clinics10% Community Outreach and EducationHelp develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requestsConduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and partners to present information sessions on Immigration, Naturalization, and Immigrant RightsOther duties as assignedAt AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns.All positions are subject to funding, and non-collective bargaining unit positions are also at will. #J-18808-Ljbffr