Staff Attorney Immigration (Hybrid) at COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCAL – Santa Ana, California

Join a caring team where your dedication and legal expertise empower individuals and families to build brighter futures.

The Spanish Bilingual Immigration Staff Attorney will work as a member of the Immigration Unit to provide representation to qualified immigrants in a variety of immigration cases. This full-time, hybrid, exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Requirements:

• Maintain caseload of immigration cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status, under attorney supervision.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Prepare legal work and maintain client files both electronically and/or physically under the supervision of an attorney.
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments, case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Interview clients effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents and assist with checking citations, record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Maintain calendar and deadline systems and provide interpretation and translation when qualified.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective, including community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with and mentor paralegal and law students from local law schools, colleges and community colleges.
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.

Qualifications:

• Spanish Bilingual proficiency – Required
• Experience in Immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, T visas, or VAWA Self-petitions.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Articulate, creative advocate with strong written/oral communication, problem-solving, and computer skills.
• Excellent time management, organization, and ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify legal issues and provide real-time counsel and advice.
• Strong interpersonal and client communication skills, with experience working with indigent clients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and highly detail oriented.
• Empathetic, reliable team player committed to collaboration, learning, and client-centered, trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values and mission. – Required
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• A hybrid schedule may be available when the program is established.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.