Immigration Staff Attorney

Immigration Staff AttorneySalary Range $75,300.00 - $125,500.00 Salary Position Type Full TimeDescriptionWe are looking for an Immigration Staff Attorney to join our team in Los Angeles!Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation's largest legal & civil rights organization that advocates for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals & organizations annually. AJSOCAL offers free legal help, engages in impact litigation, & advocates for policy change. Our services are open to individuals of all races & ethnicities, without restriction. AJSOCAL strives to be a champion for the most vulnerable members of the AAPI communities, while advancing civil rights & social justice for everyone.Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles & Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, & Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, & 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, & U-Visa. We also offer free citizenship workshops & 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 & Family Empowerment (SAFE) Project, the Housing Preservation (HP) Program, & our Health Access Project (HAP). In addition, our Demographic Research Project (DRP) & Community Engagement (CE) teams drive data-informed strategies & 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 & local practices that impact millions of Asian American & immigrant families across California.You share our mission of advocacy for AAPIs. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights & social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives & communities in Los Angeles & across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization & its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, & your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.At Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work that creates lasting impact for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Southern California.When you join AJSOCAL, you're not just building a career — you're joining a collaborative team that values professional growth, work-life balance, and community.The benefits outlined below reflect those available to full-time employees (FTEs). Part-time employees (PTEs) also enjoy access to benefits, prorated according to their regularly scheduled hours and subject to applicable eligibility requirements and plan provisions.Work-Life BalanceFriday Wellness Hours for eligible employees, providing Friday afternoons to recharge while remaining compensatedHybrid work opportunities for eligible positionsFlexible work schedulesGenerous paid vacation, sick leave, and 16 paid organizational holidays in addition to 1 floating holidayWinter office closurePaid parental leave, bereavement leave, and other supportive leave programsSabbatical opportunities for eligible employeesFinancial & Everyday Benefits403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions (after eligibility requirements are met)Technology stipendPublic transportation reimbursementBilingual/Biliterate stipend for qualifying positionsGated parking lotComprehensive Health & WellnessMedical, dental, and vision insurance (base plan fully covered for employee)Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insuranceSupplement term life insurance for yourself and loved ones (spouse and/or dependents)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Wellness programming designed to support your physical and mental well-beingInvest in Your GrowthProfessional development funding upon approvalConferences, trainings, and continuing education opportunitiesProfessional membership covered upon approvalLeadership development and career growth opportunitiesA Workplace You'll EnjoyInclusive, collaborative culture where every voice mattersCommitment to inclusive workplace culture and belongingOpportunities to build meaningful relationships with colleagues across programs and departmentsMeaningful WorkMake a tangible difference through mission-driven work that advances civil rights, equity, and justiceCollaborate with passionate colleagues who care deeply about the communities we serveWhat You BringJ.D. and active membership in California State BarMinimum one (1) year of immigration experience, preferably with removal proceeding experience and experience working with refugees, victims of domestic violence, crimes, and trafficking.Experience assisting immigrant, limited English speaking and/or low-income clientsExperience appearing in immigration court preferredExperience or familiarity with AAPI community preferredExcellent legal writing, speaking, and organizational skillsAbility to communicate effectively with clientsMust 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 requiredAbility to travel as needed to attend various functions and meetingsBilingual / biliterate in at least one Asian language (Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese) strongly preferredDemonstrated sincere commitment to social justice and serving on behalf of low-income, immigrant communities, AANPHI or non-profit environments preferredExcellent verbal and written communication skills, experience with individuals for whom English is a second language (ESL) is preferredExcellent time management and organizational skillsStrong computer and database skills with familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite products preferredExperience with Canva, social media, or other communications platforms preferredAbility to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervisionAbility to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekendsQualificationsAbout 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. The position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit.Duties and Responsibilities75% Client support and representation for various types of immigration casesProvide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum officesProvide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIRPrepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clientsMaintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables