CCLS Staff Attorney - Immigration Law

Reports to
Directing Attorney 

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Exempt (Union position)

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$71,194 to $110,565

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 for the purpose of providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. CCLS core counties include Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne. CCLS’s health work also extends to San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. In Madera County, CCLS provides limited services to seniors and on health issues. CCLS has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, and satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. With nearly one hundred (100) employees, CCLS’s work includes direct services that meet our clients’ immediate needs, education, and advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Immigration Staff Attorney will work with its Family/Immigration Team to support the immigration needs of the CCLS client community. The ideal candidate will have experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy and education in immigration matters. 

DUTIES:

• Provide direct legal services in immigration matters for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault with a focus on U-Visas, T-Visas, SIJS, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Naturalization;
• Work with CCLS advocates to ensure delivery of high-quality legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Develop and maintain relationships with client groups and community-based service providers, and work with them to identify community lawyering opportunities;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual and impact casework;
• Participate in or conduct community outreach/education events and legal workshops/clinics;
• Participate in planning and strategy meetings with project partners and local, state, and national networks of Legal Aid advocates;
• Conduct presentations to the community and partner organizations or agencies;
• Foster productive relationships with other CCLS staff, the court, other non-profit organizations, and public agencies;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings, stay informed of changes in the law, including continuing legal education, and adhere to CCLS policies and procedures;
• Maintain a commitment to impact litigation as part of a holistic and collaborative advocacy strategy;
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California; or, eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Aid Attorney Program and California Bar admission pursuant to CCLS policy;
• Experience working with low-income clients, collaborating effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations, and connecting and strategizing with local community leaders;
• Previous Legal Aid or other non-profit, legal services experience desirable;
• Preferred experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy, and education in immigration matters and/or to victims of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault helpful;
• Litigation experience in State, Federal and/or Immigration Court, preferably in immigration and domestic violence proceedings;
• Desire to address systemic issues and develop general knowledge of poverty law;
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Comfortable working under pressure, on a team or independently, passionate about the work, inquisitive, and analytical;
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed;
• Ability to travel as needed and proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used;
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values.