Staff Attorney | Deportation Defense Unit

Staff Attorney | Deportation Defense Unit

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Exempt

Department: Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit

Reports to: Managing Attorney and/or Supervising Attorney

Location: Hybrid - Telecommute and CARECEN’s Los Angeles Office

Job Summary

The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual staff attorney to represent adults and children in removal proceedings. This is a full-time position based out of CARECEN’s Los Angeles Office.

Job Requirements/Essential Functions

• Provide legal representation to adults and children in removal proceedings before the Los Angeles and Santa Ana Immigration Courts, USCIS, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. For children's cases, represent clients in state court to secure predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
• Operate under the supervision of the managing attorney and/or supervising attorney, managing all aspects of client cases.
• Facilitate referrals to medical, mental health, and educational services for clients as needed.
• Ensure compliance with data reporting and program requirements
• Oversee the work of assigned paralegal and their tasks.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the supervisor.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in California.
• Fluent or highly proficient in Spanish, subject to testing.
• Experience in immigration law preferred.
• Demonstrated abilities in case management, legal research, writing, and oral communication.
• Capable of managing a time-intensive caseload with multiple deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently.
• Skilled in working effectively with diverse populations, including individuals from various cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, as well as clients with histories of severe trauma and criminal records.
• Strong commitment to the rights of immigrants and the mission of CARECEN.
• Committed to working in a diverse professional environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position is based in a professional office setting and involves tasks such as lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing as needed. The option to telecommute is available for certain roles. Work may be conducted in various locations, including CARECEN's offices, spaces provided by others, libraries, and various government facilities.

Classification and Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt role with a standard 35-hour workweek. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The position will involve some evening and weekend work. Flexibility is required to accommodate the varying needs of the organization. The primary emphasis of the position is fulfilling assigned responsibilities rather than adhering to a strict work schedule. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position.

Travel Requirements

This position is located at CARECEN's Los Angeles office and requires occasional travel to our San Bernardino and Van Nuys offices. Additionally, travel to immigration courts in Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Santa Ana, and state courts throughout the Southern California region will be required. Travel may constitute up to 50% of the role's responsibilities. Mileage reimbursement is provided. Candidates are preferred to have a valid California driver's license and a registered vehicle.

CARECEN provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, employees can access supplemental insurance and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan. Paid time off is also offered.

Application Deadline

Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

To Apply

Please email Lilit Melkonyan (dduhiring@carecen-la.org ) your cover letter, resume, three references, and a brief writing sample (maximum 10 pages). Candidates are urged to be specific in their cover letters regarding their level of Spanish fluency. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Principals only; no search firms or legal recruiters (no exceptions). No inquiries.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.