Staff Attorney for Community Education
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Background
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 has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their
families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information is available at
www.esperanza-la.org.
Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in our Community Education program. The
immigration court system does not provide court-appointed counsel to individuals facing
deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our
Community Education program to obtain critical information about the process. The
Community Education program was created to more effectively meet this need and guide pro
se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration system.
Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of a manager to provide various self-help
services for non-detained adults and families. The core program services include; legal
orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; intake and follow-up services; self-help
workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance or social services. Additional
responsibilities include:
Conducting Friend of Court services during hearings;
Mentoring and supervising interns and volunteers;
Creating and properly maintaining participant files;
Referring individuals to social services;
Developing and updating legal program materials and presentation techniques; and
Expanding access to counsel through pro bono referrals.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate;
Active bar admission or awaiting bar results (California state bar preferred, but not required); Experience (including internships) in the legal setting (preferably in immigration and/or public interest law);
Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required;
Spanish language proficiency required and will be tested at time of interview;
Ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration; and
Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with vulnerable client populations, particularly with children, families, or clients with mental health issues; and
Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.
Location
Our office is located at 1530 James M. Wood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. This position may require regional travel to immigration courts. Mileage is reimbursed.
Employment Type
Full Time Position.
Salary
Depends on experience (D.O.E.) + generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 10 sick days, 15 vacation days/year, 12 paid holidays/year, retirement plan, FSA account, bar dues payment, and fees for membership in specialty bar association. All new hires are subject to a 6-month probationary period.
Deadline
Position open until filled, early applications are encouraged.
How to Apply
Simultaneously email cover letter, resume, at least 2 references, and a brief writing sample (5 pages or less) to:
(1) hrjobs@ccharities.org Catholic Charities of Los Angeles Human Resources Department; P.O. Box 15095, Los Angeles, CA 90015, and
(2) Evelyn Cedeño-Naik, Program Manager, Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, enaik@ccharities.org, 1530 James M. Wood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015.
In the e-mail subject line, please place your full name and position you are applying for. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please. Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please. Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
Other job openings at Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project are advertised by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles on behalf of Esperanza.
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To apply, please follow the instructions provided in the job advertisement.