Staff Attorney - Immigrants' Rights

Job Summary Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will: Provide direct legal representation to immigrant survivors with a focus on affirmative applications, including U visa, T visa, relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and adjustment of status matters Provide zealous, client-centered, and trauma-informed direct representation to immigrant survivors of serious crime and human trafficking Recruit, train, and supervise pro bono attorneys in U visa, VAWA, T visa and adjustment of status matters Engage in community education, Know Your Rights presentations, coalition spaces and advocacy to promote the rights of immigrant survivors Work closely with the Supervising Attorney, Staff Attorney, and Program Manager Work collaboratively with team members to provide client-centered, holistic, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary services for clients Collect case data and contribute to grant reports Perform administrative tasks in support of this work, including opening and closing matters, printing and scanning documents, maintaining files, etc. Perform other duties as assigned Requirements 2-8 years of experience in legal advocacy Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of any state bar is required, California Bar preferred Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish is strongly preferred Experience in survivor based affirmative applications (U/T/VAWA) or experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or other serious crimes preferred Strong legal research and writing skills, and attention to detail Ability to prioritize and manage a large caseload independently Comfort and experience working with clients from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with complex trauma and those who have been criminalized Understanding of trauma and its effects on both the clients and the advocates Ability to think strategically and creatively, and problem-solve effectively Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with other team members Desire to learn and grow as an advocate, and openness to feedback Commitment to immigrants’ rights and the mission of Public Counsel Commitment to economic and racial justice, including participating in and advancing the equity and inclusion work at Public Counsel High levels of emotional intelligence, maturity and cultural competency, including being curious, self-aware, cognizant of bias, empathetic, patient, and willing to listen, and having a growth and open mindset Exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week and must work all additional time necessary to accomplish job duties in a timely and professional manner. They must be flexible in work hours so as to provide superior quality and timely service to clients consistent with the position and professional responsibility obligations. Job Type and Benefits Full-time/exempt Salary range for an attorney with 2-8 years of experience is $78,000-$93,500, depending upon years of experience. Bargaining Probationary period: 9 months Fixed-duration position funded until September 30, 2027. This position is created with designated funds through September 30, 2027. Continued employment past this date is contingent on additional funding for the position. Public Counsel offers a competitive benefits package including Medical coverage with an option for 100% employer-paid employee and dependent child(ren)’s premiums; buy-up options are available for other HMO and PPO coverage Dental and vision coverage Option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans Generous paid time off (per year) 15 accrued vacation days that increase to 20 days after 3 years of employment 12 accrued sick days that may be used for physical and mental health needs 11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (during the summer and winter) Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff only) Additional benefits: 403(b) retirement plan with an elective employee contribution, and after a year of employment a discretionary employer contribution Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement $45 per pay period for employees who use non-English language skills to perform work duties Up to 6 months of parental leave Organizational and team wellness activities to build team cohesion and camaraderie Professional development support and opportunities Annual payment of dues for required licenses or certifications (state bar dues for attorneys) and for a mutually agreed-upon professional organization Centrally located headquarters in the heart of Koreatown, a vibrant neighborhood with easy access to public transportation, diverse dining options, and cultural attractions Vaccination Policy and COVID-19 Protocols Public Counsel requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees, including new hires. Pursuant to federal and state laws, Public Counsel will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Public Counsel EEO Policy Public Counsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or prospective employees on the basis of union membership or activity, race, religious creed, religious observance, ethnicity, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or predisposition, military service, military and veteran status, pregnancy, child birth and related medical conditions, marital and family status, national origin, ancestry, age, medical conditions as defined by state or federal law, or disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. All qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Our leadership team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities discipline, discharge and general treatment during employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mielegalaid