Removal Defense Supervising Attorney

We are looking for a Removal Defense Supervising Attorney to join our team in Los Angeles!

WHO WE ARE

We are the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Our mission is to advocate for civil rights, provide legal services and education, and build coalitions to positively influence and impact AAPIs and to create a more equitable and harmonious society. We serve more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year, focusing on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country.

WHAT WE BRING

• The special opportunity to join a mission driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

WHO YOU ARE

You share our mission of advocacy for AAPIs. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

WHAT YOU BRING

• J.D. and active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. state 
• Driver’s License required as this position requires regular travel to meet with detained individuals, as well as regular in-person immigration court appearances  
• Minimum five (5) years of removal defense experience, including detained. Seven years (7) of removal defense experience preferred  
• At least one (1) year of supervisor experience preferred (may be concurrent with removal defense experience)  
• Ability to design and implement creative service delivery models while effectively leveraging community partnerships and support
• At least one (1) year of experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma, and/or working with immigrant and refugee children 
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic work 
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We are urgently looking to hire an Removal Defense Supervising Attorney to lead our growing removal defense efforts and to begin as soon as possible.  Under the direction of the Program Director, the Supervising Attorney is responsible for the oversight and supervision of removal defense (and ancillary) cases handled by staff and pro bono attorneys. The Supervising Attorney will collaborate with the Program Director to continually assess, calibrate, and adjust  the removal defense program’s structure, strategy, and workflows to prioritize  responsiveness to evolving immigration policies and enforcement trends. The Supervising Attorney will carry a caseload of primarily removal defense cases and provide high quality, client-centered representation to individuals facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation. The Supervising Attorney will supervise staff who represent clients in bond hearings, detention, removal proceedings, appeals, writs of habeas corpus, as well as ancillary affirmative relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, TPS and DACA. The Supervising Attorney will also supervise and guide staff who are representing clients before USCIS, ICE ISAP (Intensive Supervision Program) check-ins, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.  This position will provide technical support and capacity building to pro bono counsel, other nonprofit organizations, and when necessary, will help staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Supervising Attorney will conduct immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. The current caseload for the incoming supervising attorney will focus primarily on removal defense representation for existing clients.  This position is NOT covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Your day-to-day responsibilities:

70% Provide direct supervision of immigration cases and carry own immigration caseload: 

• Provide supervision and oversight of  removal defense cases handled by staff and pro bono attorneys, including related matters such as detained cases, ICE check-ins, and both affirmative and defensive asylum 
• Alongside the Program Director, evaluates the performance of direct reports 
• Carry an active caseload of removal defense and immigration cases, which includes but is not limited to:   
• Provide high quality direct representation for diverse clients with complex immigration cases before EOIR and USCIS , and in ancillary state proceedings where applicable  
• Represent clients in ICE custody or at ICE check-ins and other immigration related appointments, including travelling to detention centers and other custodial settings  
• Prepare briefs, motions, supporting evidence, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients 
• Work with country conditions experts, expert witnesses, psychologists, and medical professionals to develop supporting evidence for immigration relief applications 
• Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance  
• Travel to offsite clinics, immigration courts, detention centers, and USCIS field offices to represent clients in immigration matters 
• Lead  compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes 

15% Provide Technical Assistance and Support 

• Organize and implement various immigration trainings to staff, pro bono counsel and community partners  
• Create and reinforce criteria for intake staff to review and approve appointments for immigration legal consultations, answer immigration related questions and review documents
• Plan and execute workshops and clinics 

15% Community Outreach and Education  

• Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests 
• Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and partners to present information sessions on Immigration, Naturalization and Immigrant Rights 
• Alongside the Program Director, provide guidance and direct support in implementing statewide and national removal defense networks, including building relationships with stakeholders and developing outreach plans 
• Other duties as assigned 

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns. 

All positions are subject to funding, and non-collective bargaining unit positions are also at will