Staff Attorney - Community Education Program

 Esperanza seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in one of our Community Education Programs that serves immigrants in detention. 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.  The Legal Orientation Program (“LOP”) is an invaluable resource for immigrants in detention without legal representation.

Responsibilities:   

 The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the LOP Program Manager to provide legal orientation services for adults in detention. The core program services include group orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; individual orientations and follow-up services; self-help workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance. Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting Friend of Court services during hearings.
• Mentoring and supervising interns and volunteers.  
• Creating and properly maintaining participant files.
• Developing and updating legal program materials and presentation techniques.
• Coordinating LOP Pro Bono Referrals with other organizations, in-house, and the private bar.
• Participating in stakeholder meetings with legal service organizations and government agencies.

Qualifications:

• Experience in criminal law or the intersection between immigration and criminal law.
• Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.
• Juris Doctorate.
• Active bar admission or awaiting bar results (California state bar preferred, but not required); Experience (including internships) in the legal setting (preferably in immigration and/or public interest law).
• Strong organizational, case management, legal research, and legal writing skills required. 
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, or clients with mental health issues. 
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to take on challenging and novel legal issues and a readiness to pursue “outside-the-box” legal theories.
• Spanish language proficiency required and will be tested at time of interview. 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure required. 
• Willingness to be a team-player with an attitude and aptitude for collaboration.
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities required. 
    

This position requires in-person services at the Desert View Annex Detention Center (DVA) in Adelanto, CA. In-person services are required one day a week. Mileage will be reimbursed.

The job is hybrid

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