Managing Attorney

CLA

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 Managing 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 Managing Attorney will work under the direct supervision of the Directing Attorney to provide and supervise various self-help services for non-detained adults and families, some of them facing housing insecurity. 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:

• Training, mentoring, and supervising staff, interns, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers.
• Expanding access to counsel through pro bono referrals and mentorship.
• Maintaining and developing stakeholder relations.
• Overseeing data entry and contract compliance.
• Developing and updating all program materials, presentation techniques, and workshops.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate.
• Active bar admission (California state bar preferred but not required).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in the practice of law, preferably in immigration 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.
• Immigration court litigation experience strongly preferred;
• 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.

This is a hybrid position that allows staff to work remotely 2-3 days/week (subject to approval).

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 12 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office 
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking