Staff Attorney

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza is one of the few programs across the country that provides services to pro se detained and non-detained immigrants. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information can be found about Esperanza at www.esperanza-la.org

Responsibilities

Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work primarily in our Representation Program, assisting detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.

The Staff Attorney will work primarily under the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) pursuant to the Franco-Gonzales v. Holder class action. Under this program, the Staff Attorney is appointed as Qualified Representative for individuals with mental disabilities who are facing deportation and are unable to represent themselves in court. The Staff Attorney will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cases under the supervision of the Managing Attorney for NQRP. Representation will include litigating complex and interesting cases in immigration court, including cases that involve asylum, cancellation of removal, creative arguments against removability, and “crimmigration.” Travel may be required, including out of state.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree;
• Active bar admission (California state bar preferred, but not required);
• Experience (including internships) in a legal setting (preferably in immigration and/or public interest law);
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration;
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish;
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues;
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.
  
  

When applying simultaneously submit a cover letter, resume, 3 references and a brief writing sample (5 pages or less).

This is a hybrid position.