Staff Attorney

Removal Defense Staff Attorney San Diego Office Al Otro Lado is a binational legal services and immigrant rights organization serving immigrants, asylum seekers, and deported persons in Southern California, Tijuana, México, and beyond. We provide client-centered, multidisciplinary legal representation, engage in human rights monitoring and impact litigation, and work to protect individual rights while addressing systemic barriers within immigration and border enforcement systems. THE ORGANIZATION Our work is grounded in principles of dignity, access to justice, and harm reduction, and we collaborate closely with community-based organizations, academic institutions, and public interest partners. Through these partnerships, and with the support of hundreds of trained volunteers each year, we seek to deliver high-quality legal services and contribute to sustainable, community-informed approaches to immigrant justice. THE REMOVAL DEFENSE STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION Al Otro Lado is seeking a Removal Defense Staff Attorney to work with our US-based advocacy department. The Removal Defense Staff Attorney will be based in Al Otro Lado’s San Diego office and will provide legal consultation and representation services to individuals placed in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). The Staff Attorney must be able to regularly travel to in-person court hearings, immigration detention centers, ICE check-ins, and other appointments as necessary for representation in the San Diego County and Imperial County area. The Removal Defense Staff Attorney will handle cases for matters on the detained, non-detained, and NQRP dockets in San Diego County and Imperial County areas and will work under the direct supervision of the Managing Accredited Representative for Removal Defense and in collaboration with colleagues in the San Diego County, Imperial County, and Los Angeles offices. JOB DUTIES Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Provide representation to immigrants before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (non-detained and detained), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, CA State, and the US District court proceedings related to clients’ removal proceedings cases Conduct initial client intake/consultations and evaluate eligibility for immigration benefits Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files Assign casework to legal support staff, including legal assistants and administrative staff, and provide a review Coordinate closely within our multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to services offered in-house and through partnerships with external providers Stay up to date on rapidly changing immigration laws and policies Participate in administrative team meetings, agency meetings, collaborative/coalition meetings, AILA liaison meetings, community activities and trainings, as deemed appropriate Comply with data management and program reporting requirements Other duties as assigned REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS JD from an accredited university Active California State Bar License Experience in broad areas of immigration law and/or criminal justice experience (law school graduates with clinical or equivalent legal experience may be considered) Strong bilingual (English and Spanish) language competency Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure Self-directed and self-reliant, highly organized, flexible, innovative, and able to work in a fast-paced setting Adept at learning to use new technology platforms, as well as experience with and proficiency in Microsoft Office and in Google Suite programs such as Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Forms, Webex, and Zoom Passion for immigrants’ rights and advocating for justice Excellent interpersonal skills and respectful of colleagues in a diverse workplace environment Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy, and/or the ability to travel frequently to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners COMPENSATION & BENEFITS This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $70,304 - $80,000. Al Otro Lado is piloting a 36-hour work week, with a half-day (4 hours) on Fridays. Payroll adjustments are made to ensure that all staff receive the same wages as in a 40-hour work week. Al Otro Lado’s comprehensive benefits package includes: Health benefits: Al Otro Lado contributes up to 90% of employee medical & 70% of employee dental and vision premiums. Insurance coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the employee’s hire date Employer-sponsored Group Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, and Life/AD&D coverage Optional Coverages: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Insurance Paid Time Off: Up to three weeks of accrued paid time off per year Paid Holidays: 10 paid holidays observed, and 2 paid weeks off for Winter Break in December/January Paid Parental Leave: Supplemental wage integration following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care 403(b): Retirement plan investment options to include Pre-tax or Roth options. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer-sponsored plan offering mental health support, legal, and financial services Full-time employees who have completed at least 5 years of continuous full-time service with the organization will be eligible to apply for up to eight consecutive weeks of Sabbatical Leave, during which the employee will receive full compensation and continue to receive their accrued benefits DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Al Otro Lado values diversity and strongly encourages applications from the communities we serve, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr