Supervising Staff Attorney

Supervising Staff Attorney The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with national impact, fostering diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions, and coalitions to build power, transform public opinions, and change policies to achieve full human, civil, and labor rights. Position Description CHIRLA seeks a Supervising Staff Attorney in the legal department who may be assigned to work primarily with one or more of the legal teams as needed. The types and numbers of cases assigned will reflect the needs of the clients served by the team(s) or the department as a whole. Responsibilities include assisting clients in pursuing immigration benefits and representing them in applications, hearings, or proceedings before a variety of courts, tribunals, and agencies to safeguard and/or improve their immigration status. The role also involves pursuing community‑based systemic reform and advocacy to improve federal immigration laws, providing consultations to potential new clients at events such as Legal Triage, and supervising attorneys, representatives, paralegals, and other staff. Duties and Responsibilities Provide representation to clients with cases involving criminal history, immigration law violations, family law issues, removal proceedings, appeals, or related matters. Prepare, review, revise, and submit documents (applications, motions, memos, briefs, petitions) before USCIS and immigration court proceedings. Represent individuals before federal, state, or local courts, agencies, or tribunals at all levels. Communicate timelines and tasks to supervisors, colleagues, and subordinate staff to ensure efficient case resolution. Research and analyze complex legal matters for own caseload and staff under supervision. Screen potential clients for available immigration benefits and assess their eligibility. Communicate assessments to potential clients, including rights, requirements, and deadlines. Work effectively under pressure with urgent deadlines. Stay up to date with immigration law developments. Make appropriate referrals for services beyond the program’s scope. Assume caseload of departing staff as needed. Staff Supervision Supervise and review work product of attorneys, clerks, representatives, volunteers, administrative staff, and legal interns. Approve timecards, time‑off requests, reimbursements, evaluate performance, and address conduct issues. Provide coaching and mentorship to improve knowledge, skills, accuracy, and service quality. Appraise performance, reward and discipline employees, and resolve problems. Conduct on‑site supervision and visits to branch offices as needed. Hold regular supervision meetings with subordinate staff. Conduct open and closed case‑file reviews quarterly. Contribute updates to the program operations manual and legal department manual. Customer Service and Community Outreach Communicate with clients professionally, respectfully, and sensitively, especially those who have experienced trauma. Maintain regular communication and provide updates no later than 90 days after the last case update. Respond to client inquiries within 48–72 hours. Oversee staff at in‑person legal screening events, community presentations, and special events. Participate in Saturday Legal Triage events. Present relevant immigration information to immigrant and non‑immigrant communities periodically. Reporting Obligations and Program Efficiency Oversee data collection, entry, and updates by subordinate staff. Update case notes within 48–72 hours to maintain accurate records. Update and maintain all current databases, tracking sheets, and documents mandated by policy. Collaborate with staff to represent clients ethically and efficiently, maximizing client outcomes. Collaborate with department leaders, team leaders, and grant writers on grant proposals, reports, and the annual unit budget. Perform other duties as necessary to address urgent issues or priorities. Skills and Qualifications (Required) Active attorney license in good standing with a U.S. State Bar. Admission and good standing in the California State Bar preferred. At least three years of immigration law practice or relevant litigation experience. Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish or other languages used by clients. Commitment to social justice and empowering communities. High integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality. Effective oral and written communication skills. Flexibility to work early, evenings, and Saturdays during clinics. Travel within and outside California for branch visits and conferences. Preferred Experience assisting noncitizens with a variety of immigration benefits before USCIS or immigration court. Strong communication skills with diverse audiences and stakeholder groups. Creative problem‑solving, strategic thinking, and analytical skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience providing direct services in a nonprofit context. Experience working with survivors of trauma, violence, and human trafficking. Desired Traits or Characteristics Highly self‑motivated, creative, proactive, and able to learn quickly. Team player with experience in remote and in‑person settings. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships within and across the organization. Strong commitment to CHIRLA’s mission of empowering low‑income community groups. Salary: $86,528 – $95,000. CHIRLA offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and an excellent benefit package, including generous time off, 401(k), health, dental, and vision plans. FLSA Classification: Exempt/Hourly, full‑time regular. Reporting to: Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Director of Legal Services. Location: Los Angeles, Headquarters, CA. CHIRLA is an equal‑opportunity employer. Discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, or other protected characteristics is unlawful. All such discrimination is prohibited. Information on open positions is available at CHIRLA.org/Career Center. All applicants will be required to complete an application for employment prior to any scheduled interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr CHIRLA