Attorney – Supporting Families Workgroup (Torture Survivors Project)
Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!
The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. With more than 90 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 175 employees, including more than 80 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners
to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.
The Workgroup: The Supporting Families Workgroup (SFWG) helps and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in obtaining restraining orders, and orders for custody, dissolution, visitation, and support. It also assists and represents undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings and before USCIS; and helps and represents individuals before USCIS to become U.S. Citizens.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney.
*NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond September 2022.
*Assigned location is subject to change during course of employment.
• Active membership in the California State Bar;
• Minimum of 6-7 years’ experience preferred;
• Administrative experience in immigration matters before USCIS and EOIR;
• Experience representing clients in removal proceedings;
• Experience representing clients in affirmative asylum hearings preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of immigration law;
• Ability to deal with people tactfully and effectively;
• Commitment to working collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving immigrant communities and survivors of torture;
• Provide support to other staff on issues of subject-matter expertise;
• Reliable transportation and willingness to drive to detention centers when permitted;
• Willingness to work beyond a minimum 7.0 hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 35 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate; and
• Bilingual preferred.
• Provide direct legal services to victims of torture;
• Develop appropriate outreach materials and disseminate information about rights and benefits available to victims of torture;
• Identify significant legal needs and issues for survivors of torture in the area of immigration and develop plans, including litigation and policy to address those needs;
• Outreach to immigrant communities where survivors of torture are found;
• Conduct trainings and outreach to community based organizations and community groups;
• In conjunction with the Managing Attorney, and the Pro Bono Director, recruit, train, and supervise volunteer attorneys and law students; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to jobs@lafla.org. Include “Attorney-Supporting Families Torture Survivors Project” in the subject line.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD – A one-year probationary period will be required.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER – Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status.
Benefits & CompensationLAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Eligible employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend.