Staff Attorney II-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 that 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 II to work in one of our Community Education Programs that serves immigrants in detention. The immigration court system does not provide court appointed counsel to individuals facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our Community Education program to obtain critical information about the process. The Community Education program was created to more effectively meet this need and guide pro se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration

The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the Program Manager or Managing Attorney to provide legal orientation services primarily for adults in detention. The core program services include; group orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; individual orientations and follow-up services; self-help workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance. Staff Attorney II will also take on additional responsibilities including supervision of legal interns and/or law students, mentorship of Staff Attorney I and/or paralegals, participating in collaboratives or stakeholder meetings; advocacy and policy; trainings and education; community engagement, and other special projects as needed. Additional responsibilities include:

Responsibilities:

• Conducting individual in-person intakes at detention facilities or remotely.
• Providing rapid response support to immigrants and their families impacted by immigration enforcement.
• Conducting Friend of Court services during hearings.
• Developing and updating pro se legal materials and presentation techniques.
• Expanding access to counsel through pro bono referrals.
• Participating in stakeholder meetings with legal service organizations and government agencies.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active bar admission (California state bar preferred but not required).
• At least two years of experience as an attorney in immigration law required.
• Excellent organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required.
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure.
• Spanish fluency.
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration; and
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in public interest law.
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues; and
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.

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