CHIRLA · 5 months ago
Staff Attorney
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$72K/yr - $78K/yrThe Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization focused on social change for immigrant families. The Staff Attorney will provide legal assistance and representation for clients seeking immigration benefits, while also supervising paralegals and engaging in community outreach.
CommunitiesGovernmentNon Profit
Responsibilities
Provide representation to clients with cases involving issues such as criminal history, immigration law violations, family law issues, current or previous removal proceedings, appeals, or other issues related to their immigration matters as needed
Responsible for the preparation, review, revision and submission of any documents needed to address a client’s immigration issues, including but not limited to, applications, motions, legal memos or briefs, petitions or requests
Represent individuals before federal, state or local courts, agencies or tribunals at all levels as needed to properly address and resolve issues for clients in their cases. Such representation should follow both ethical and professional responsibility obligations as well as funder requirements
Responsible for creating and communicating timelines and tasks to supervisors, colleagues, and subordinate staff that will properly and efficiently resolve issues in cases in order to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. Also responsible for communicate this information to clients
Ability to work effectively under pressure with urgent deadlines
Research and analyze complex and straightforward legal matters pertaining to own caseload and assuming responsibility and risk for outcomes of client cases
Screen potential clients for all potential and available immigration benefits that they may qualify for, and use that information to assess their ability to successfully pursue and obtain those benefits
Communicate to potential clients an assessment or evaluation of their immigration cases or circumstances, including but not limited to any rights these individuals possess, any requirements these individuals must complete, and any deadlines they must comply with
Stay up to date with changes in immigration law and other immigration related developments in order to be able to provide clients with the best representation possible in their immigration matters
Make appropriate referrals as necessary for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program or one’s own competencies, and for other social service needs
Assume caseload of any departing staff member as needed
Conduct review of all applications and other documents prepared by subordinate staff that are to be filed with USCIS, the Immigration Court, or other courts, agencies or tribunals prior to their submission. Provide revisions and directions to other staff assigned to the case in order to effect necessary changes or to take actions to properly represent the client
Provide coaching and mentorship whenever possible to colleagues and subordinate staff to improve their knowledge, skills, accuracy, and efficacy in understanding the practice of the various areas law related to our clients’ cases and to improve the quality of service provided to clients
Communicate and interact with clients with professionalism, respect, compassion, and sensitivity to their life circumstances and potential or actual trauma that they have suffered
Maintain regular communication with clients and provide them with updates regarding their cases no later than 90 days after the last case update provided to them
Respond to any client communications or inquiries no later than within 48 – 72 hours of receipt of message from client(s)
Participate at in-person legal screening events, community presentations, and other special events as scheduled. For example, participation is required at Saturday Legal Triage events, which are scheduled on alternating Saturday mornings (7A – 11A) throughout the year
Support CHIRLA’s fundraising goals including annual fundraising drive and GALA activities
Update case notes with any developments or client interactions within 48 - 72 hours in order to provide accurate and up to date information for other staff to rely on in a timely manner
Update and maintain current all databases, tracking sheets or other documents mandated by policies and procedures issued by CHIRLA, the legal department, and any legal team(s) to which they are assigned
Work closely and diligently with all other staff to represent clients in their legal matters ethically, efficiently and properly in order to maximize client outcomes and deliverable requirements for funders
Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in order to address urgent issues or priorities either within their assigned team(s), other legal department teams, or for the legal department as a whole
Qualification
Required
Active attorney license and good standing with a State Bar association within the United States
Fluency or high proficiency in the Spanish language and/or other languages that would allow communication with existing, new or potential clients is required as the job requires extensive legal counseling and representation with clients who primarily speak languages other than English
Demonstrated commitment to social justice, progressive social change, empowering communities' rights and justice
A high level of integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Must be flexible to work early morning, evenings and Saturdays during clinical/consultations times as needed
Preferred
Active admission and good standing in the California State Bar is preferred
Experience in assisting noncitizens apply for a wide variety of immigration benefits and processes before USCIS and/or the Immigration Court
Engaging communication skills that can effectively and independently communicate with diverse audiences and network collaboratively among a variety of stakeholder groups
Excellent creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and analytical skills
Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
Experience with providing direct services to the community, ideally in a nonprofit setting
Experience working with survivors of trauma, victims of violence, and human trafficking
Experience working with underserved and diverse populations
Ability to be comfortable in a collaborative, consultative environment
Benefits
Generous time off benefits
401K Plan
Health, dental and vision plans
Company
CHIRLA
CHIRLA is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing and advocating for the immigrant and refugee communities.
Founded in 1986
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$0.12MKey Investors
Weingart Foundation
2023-09-01Grant· $0.12M
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