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Jewish Family Service of San Diego · 8 hours ago

Supervising Attorney, Higher Education Legal Services

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$88K/yr - $94K/yr

4+ years exp

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is a Department of Justice-recognized provider of immigration legal services and a key refugee resettlement agency in San Diego County. They are seeking a Supervising Attorney for the Higher Education Legal Services program to oversee attorneys and representatives, provide legal representation, and engage in community education and policy development.

ConsultingCustomer ServiceFacilities Support ServicesFitnessHealth CareWellness

Culture & Values

No H1B

Responsibilities

Direct Legal Representation: Provide high-quality immigration legal services to JFS-ILSD clients, including representation before DHS agencies (USCIS, CBP, Border Patrol, and ICE), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and related federal and state courts. Support the broader work of the JFS-ILSD team while maintaining the program’s strong record of effective legal advocacy

Supervision and Oversight: Supervise and review the work of HELS attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and support staff who provide direct assistance and legal representation in both defensive and affirmative immigration matters, including appeals

Policy and Procedure Development: Collaborate with program leadership to develop procedures, protocols, and guidance that advance the JFS-ILSD mission and safeguard Higher Education Legal Services from legal malpractice

Education and Community Engagement: Design, oversee, and deliver accurate legal orientations, presentations, and educational materials on a wide range of immigration and rights-related issues faced by low-income immigrant communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties

Institutional Relationship Management: Maintain effective professional relationships with participating higher education institutions, supporting students, faculty, staff, and their family members who access Higher Education Legal Services

Legal Research and Updates: Stay current on rapidly changing immigration laws, regulations, and policies, and ensure that all program staff are regularly briefed and operating with the most up-to-date legal information

Quality Assurance: Ensure accurate legal analysis and appropriate legal strategies in all matters involving complex questions of law, eligibility for relief, and decisions to decline services

Compliance and Reporting: Adhere to and enforce JFS-ILSD and agency-wide policies, including case management, data management, and reporting requirements. Ensure staff compliance with all internal procedures

Grant Support: Participate in program reporting and contribute to the timely and accurate preparation of grant applications and funding renewals

Team Leadership: Foster a collaborative, supportive, and positive team environment both within the program and across partner agencies

Qualification

Immigration lawSupervisory experienceLegal representationLegal researchLegal writingCultural competenceSocial justice advocacyInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsAttention to detailTeam leadership

Required

Law graduate

Licensed to practice law in California preferred, but we will consider candidates with license to practice law in one of the 50 U.S. states

A deep commitment to providing culturally competent, trauma-informed, and expert legal services—and, when necessary, human rights defense—to noncitizens and newcomer communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties and the broader border region

4–6 years of experience practicing immigration law

More than 2 years of experience in a supervisory role

Excellent interpersonal abilities, including strong communication, active listening, attention to detail, and a consistently professional demeanor

Strong supervisory and leadership skills, demonstrating effective communication, attentive listening, and professionalism in guiding and supporting staff

Proven skills in case management, legal research, and legal writing

Demonstrated capacity and eagerness to pursue innovative, evolving, or untested legal theories when appropriate

Ability to take initiative, manage competing demands, and perform effectively under pressure

Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends

A strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities

Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma

A sincere and demonstrated commitment to serving low-income immigrant communities