Immigration Attorney or Senior Immigration Attorney
CCLS seeks a full-time immigration attorney to work with its Family/Immigration/Benefits Team. The attorney must have experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy and education in immigration and/or domestic violence matters. The attorney will provide high quality legal services, from advice and brief services to full representation; actively collaborate with community groups and nonprofits to devise solutions to problems of poverty in our client communities; and foster a productive relationship with other CCLS staff, the courts, public agencies, and community groups. A commitment to impact litigation as part of a holistic and collaborative advocacy strategy is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
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Focus on immigration matters;
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Provide direct legal services in immigration matters for victims of domestic violence and trafficking;
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Represent survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in immigration petitions, including U-Visas, T Visas, VAWA, and Naturalization;
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Participate in community outreach events and legal workshops/clinics.
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Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings, keep abreast of changes in the law, including continuing legal education, and adhere to CCLS policies and procedures.
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Other duties as assigned.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
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Member in good standing of the State Bar of California; or, eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program and California Bar admission within twelve months of hire;
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Experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy and education in immigration matters and/or to victims of domestic and family violence;
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Litigation experience in State, Federal and/or Immigration Court, preferably in immigration and domestic violence proceedings;
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Desire to address systemic issues and develop general knowledge of poverty law;
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Experience working with low-income clients, collaborating effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations, and connecting and strategizing with local community leaders;
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Previous Legal Aid or other non-profit legal services experience desirable;
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Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley.
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Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
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Comfortable working under pressure, on a team or independently, passionate about the work, inquisitive, and analytical;
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Ability to travel as needed, proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used.
To Apply:Please e-mail cover letter, résumé, and three references along with a legal writing sample to:
Manuel Romero, Director of Administration
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Please tell us briefly about your experience, if any, doing advocacy work with a low-income community. What skills and qualities did you bring that were important to the effort? What did you learn?
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Please describe your leadership experience, if any.
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Tell us about your connection to the Central Valley: how well do you know it? Do you have ties here? What draws you here?
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Do you have particular interest in being a Legal Aid lawyer? If so, please tell us about that.