Overview
A legal organization focused on immigrant rights is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to work remotely from the San Joaquin Valley of California. Candidates living adjacent to the San Joaquin Valley who are willing to travel weekly to the area may also be considered. The San Joaquin Valley includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties. This exempt position reports to a Directing Attorney and is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), Local 2320.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-person and webinar trainings on immigration law and practice for attorneys and accredited representatives.
- Provide training to community members in English and Spanish on immigration topics such as Know Your Rights and Public Charge.
- Offer legal review and advice at immigration workshops covering various topics.
- Participate in regional collaboratives and task forces to represent the organization and share updates on immigrant rights, immigration law, and policy.
- Travel throughout the San Joaquin Valley, California, and occasionally the United States for trainings, meetings, and events.
- Contribute to legal projects including writing, editing, and updating legal manuals and publications.
- Conduct case rounds and provide case-specific technical assistance to nonprofit staff, private attorneys, and pro bono attorneys working with low-income noncitizens on family-based defensive and affirmative immigration law.
- Present complex legal information in accessible English and Spanish to media, community members, and practitioners.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience representing clients in general immigration law before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA.
- Broad knowledge of immigration law, including grounds of inadmissibility, deportability, and eligibility for relief.
- Strong foundation in removal defense practice, federal court litigation, and legal responses to immigration enforcement.
- Ability to lead meetings and communicate effectively with attorneys, community members, advocates, policy-makers, and funders.
- Willingness to collaborate, take direction, and incorporate feedback.
- Excellent writing, editing, legal analysis, training, and presentation skills.
- Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
- Organized, flexible, reliable, able to work independently and manage multiple projects.
- Willingness to participate in team-based efforts and collaborative decision-making.
- Current bar membership in good standing in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia (California preferred).
- Demonstrated proficiency in Spanish, including strong speaking and writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with rapid response networks and urgent legal response strategies.
- Technical writing experience related to immigration or other fields.
- Training, teaching, or public speaking experience.
- Experience working in, leading, or forming coalitions.
- Collaboration with organizers, advocates, and immigrant communities.
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting salary for candidates 5 years out of law school is $93,509.70, with higher salaries for those with more experience (e.g., $116,008.70 for 10 years out of law school).
- Competitive pay commensurate with experience according to the organization's attorney salary scale.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Vacation and sick leave.
- Retirement plan contributions upon eligibility.
- Annual professional development stipend of $2,500.
- Annual wellness stipend of $2,500 (2024–2027).
- Sabbatical program: eligibility for an 8-week sabbatical after 5 years of service and a 12-week sabbatical after 10 years.
Location
Remote work based in the San Joaquin Valley of California or adjacent areas with willingness to travel weekly to the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter explaining qualifications and salary requirements.
- Current resume.
- Writing sample demonstrating immigration and criminal law knowledge.
- Contact information for three professional references, including at least one supervisor.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will also be considered in accordance with relevant local, state, and federal laws.