ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
For the past 21 years Human Agenda has promoted immigrant and human rights through services, advocacy, and community organizing based on its DECKS values of democracy, equity, cooperation, kindness, and sustainability. While primarily an immigration legal service provider, Human Agenda also helps form worker-owned cooperatives for immigrant women and during the pandemic provided food and rental assistance to undocumented immigrants who were victims of gender-based violence. Key to meeting the vision of Human Agenda is providing access to high-quality legal immigration services. As a legal collective within Human Agenda, CLARO meets this need by providing free or low-cost legal services especially for immigrants in removal proceedings in Santa Clara County. CLARO members make collective decisions about the direction of the legal services project and every member’s vote is equally valued.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Human Agenda / CLARO is seeking a Spanish-English bilingual attorney to join our team to represent individuals with their immigration legal remedies before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). The attorney will become a full CLARO legal collective member after six months and participate in collective decision making about the direction, vision, and day-to-day operations of the organization.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide legal advice and counsel on immigration issues to immigrants, including during group immigration clinics.
• Provide direct legal representation of immigrants in removal defense before the EOIR for master calendar and merits hearings at San Francisco Immigration Court (both virtually and in-person).
• Provide direct legal representation of immigrants in affirmative applications before USCIS, including but not limited to asylum, U visas, T visas, and adjustment of status.
• Manage a diverse case load and track case progress and outcomes to support grant compliance.
• Maintain legal best practices by complying with the policies, protocols, and best practices of Human Agenda/CLARO.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and legal trainings.
• Supervise legal work of paralegals, interns, and volunteers.
• Maintain and develop relationships with community partners .and immigration service providers.
• Represent Human Agenda/CLARO at meetings, conferences, trainings, community events, Know Your Rights presentations, pro se asylum workshops, and media interviews.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Juris Doctor and active bar membership in good standing in any state.
• Spanish proficiency. Proficiency in other languages welcome but not required.
• Prefer prior experience in immigration law but will train the right person.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to take initiative.
• Commitment to providing representation to low-income immigrant communities.
• Ability to relate and communicate with a diverse range of clients and colleagues.
COMPENSATION
Starting salary is $80,000 - $95,000 depending on experience. Relocation allowance up to $5,000. Fully paid health insurance (medical and dental) for employee and health coverage for dependents. Bar dues and American Immigration Lawyer Association (AILA) dues and malpractice insurance all fully paid. Transportation, travel and parking reimbursed. All continuing legal education (CLE) hours and immigration training hours fully paid. Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, composed of 7 weeks of PTO per calendar year, including 15 days for floating holidays/personal days and the remaining 4 weeks for sick and vacation time, used interchangeably. Flexible work schedule with a comp hours policy but expected to be in the office and at immigration court hearings or USCIS interviews as needed. Position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
TO APPLY
Interested applicants should email with Attn: Bilingual Staff Attorney Application in the subject line the following materials:
A cover letter describing interest in the position, how they feel they will be able to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the position, and their proficiency in Spanish
A resume
3 references
A writing sample, if available
Human Agenda / CLARO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview /application process should contact or include that information in their email submitting the application
