Removal Defense Immigration Attorney

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resume, and a completed application to the Human Resources Department via email at hradmin@elfus.org Please keep in mind that failing to submit all the required documents will automatically disqualify the application.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual & Bi-literate in English and Spanish - Ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff in both languages, both verbally and in writing

• Education and/or Work Experience - Have a U.S. law degree (J.D.) and active bar membership. CA bar membership is preferred and will be given preference. Must hold an active and valid license to practice law in the state of California.

• Emotional & Cultural Competency - demonstrated in an ability to work with people of differing abilities, backgrounds, and language needs.

• Removal Defense Experience – Minimum of three (3) years of experience handling removal defense cases.

• EOIR Courtroom Experience – Proven experience representing clients in Master Calendar Hearings, Individual Hearings, and Merits Hearings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) & Asylum Expertise – Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with SIJS and asylum cases, including filing applications and representing clients in proceedings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Removal Defense Representation – Represent clients in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including Master Calendar, Individual, and Merits Hearings.

• 2. Client Consultations & Case Assessment – Conduct legal consultations to assess eligibility for immigration relief and provide legal guidance.

• 3. Legal Research & Case Strategy – Perform legal research, draft briefs, and develop case strategies for removal defense and humanitarian relief applications.

• 4. Affirmative & Defensive Filings – Prepare and submit applications, petitions, and supporting evidence for asylum, SIJS, TPS, U-Visas, VAWA, CAT, and other immigration benefits.

• 5. Court Filings & Motion Practice – Draft and file motions, appeals, and other pleadings before EOIR, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

• 6. Collaboration & Case Reviews – Work closely with case workers, administrative staff, and fellow attorneys in a collaborative legal team environment.

• 7. Client Communication & Updates – Maintain regular communication with clients to provide updates, gather evidence, and prepare them for hearings.

• 8. DHS Representation – Represent clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in various immigration matters, including Adjustment of Status, Naturalization, and LPR renewals.

• 9. Supervision & Mentorship – Provide guidance and final reviews to legal assistants, accredited representatives, and volunteers on legal matters and case preparation.

• 10. Community Education & Advocacy – Participate in immigration workshops, legal clinics, and public presentations to educate communities on their legal rights.

• 11. Case Tracking & Management – Maintain accurate records of client cases and case outcomes in an electronic case management system.

• 12. Grant & Compliance Reporting – Assist in meeting grant deliverables, compiling reports, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

• 13. External Networking & Collaboration – Build partnerships with legal aid organizations, community groups, and external partners to enhance legal services.

• 14. Cultural Sensitivity & Trauma-Informed Advocacy – Apply cultural competency and trauma-informed approaches when working with vulnerable immigrant populations.

• 15. Administrative & Additional Duties – Support the Immigration Department with general administrative tasks, casework organization, and other duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Environmental Conditions:

● Work generally takes place within an office environment. Air quality is good, with typically adequate lighting at desks/workstations. Occasionally, they will be expected to perform work duties in outdoor spaces during events or services related to outreach, walk-ins, high-demand service days, etc.

● Noise conditions are moderate and limited to self and others on telephone calls and general interactions with coworkers and the public.

● When performing most job duties, they will work in a private or shared office space with a designated workspace

● At times, they may be required to provide coverage or support in shared working environments.

● Works independently on day-to-day tasks and works collaboratively alongside other staff, volunteers, contractors, or interns as needed.

● Some travel may be required to pick up equipment, attend training, etc.

Schedule - Typical work hours will be between 8-5 PM, with events on evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• able to hear staff on the phone and those served in person and speak clearly to communicate information to patients and staff.

• able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms, and clinical and administrative documents.

• able to use fingers and hands to type on a keyboard or phone, print or scan documents, etc.

• able to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods