Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Exempt

Salary: Starting at $70,000 annual salary, depending on experience and qualifications

Department: Legal Department | College Legal Services

Reports to: Supervising Attorneys & Managing Attorney

Location: Hybrid – Remote and In-Person

Job Summary

The Staff Attorney will provide legal services, with a concentration in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) including state court appearances and USCIS applications, at California State Universities and/or community colleges, CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations in the greater Los Angeles area.

Job Requirements/Essential Functions

• Conduct and review client intakes for immigration relief at California State Universities and/or community colleges and as-needed at CARECEN and other sites.
• Prepare a variety of immigration cases including representing applicants before USCIS and EOIR Immigration Court.
• Assign and review casework to legal support staff including paralegals and administrative assistants.
• Conduct presentations, workshops and other community education activities, including at California State Universities and/or community colleges and offsite locations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Law degree and active California bar license is required.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• 2 years of substantive experience in immigration law, specifically with SIJS applications strongly preferred.
• 2 years of substantive experience in state court probate and family cases seeking SIJS findings strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Must be willing to conduct community education and workshops.
• The position will involve some evening and weekend work.

Classification and Work Schedule

The position is a full-time exempt position. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with flexibility required based on the needs of the organization. The normal workweek for this full-time exempt position is 35 hours, but a greater emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others (including California State Universities and/or community colleges), libraries and other government facilities, among others.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel to different California State Universities and/or community colleges, CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 50% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits

CARECEN also offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b)retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To Apply

Please email cover letter, resume, at least three references to CLSHiring@carecen-la.org

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.