Job Title:  Staff Attorney

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Exempt

Salary: $68,000-$76,000, DOE

Department:   Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit

Reports to: Managing Attorney and/or Supervising Attorney

Location: Hybrid – Telecommute and CARECEN’s San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino office.

Job Requirements/Essential Functions

• Represents adults (detained and non-detained) and children (non-detained) in removal proceedings. This includes representation before the Adelanto, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana Immigration Courts, before USCIS, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals. For children’s cases, this includes representation in state court to obtain predicate orders related to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
• Work under the supervision of the managing attorney and/or supervising attorney, handling all aspects of clients’ cases.
• Assist in coordinating referrals for medical, mental health, and educational services for clients, as necessary.
• Comply with data and program reporting requirements and delegate assignments to paralegals.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree with active bar membership (California required)
• Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish (testing administered)
• Experience in immigration law (preferred)
• Strong case management, legal research, writing skills, and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage time-intensive caseload with numerous deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Competence in and dedication to working with others of diverse cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, including clients with a history of severe trauma and criminal records
• Commitment to immigrants’ rights and the mission of CARECEN
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including a hybrid office and work from home model, CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others (including community libraries and other government facilities), among others.

Classification and Work Schedule

The position is a full-time exempt position. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with flexibility required based on the needs of the organization. The normal workweek for this full-time exempt position is 35 hours, but a greater emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position. The position will involve some evening and weekend work. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position. This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Travel Requirements

This position is based out of CARECEN’s San Bernardino office and requires occasional travel to CARECEN’s Los Angeles office and Van Nuys office. The position also requires occasional travel to Immigration Courts in Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Santa Ana, and Adelanto and States Courts around the Southern California region. The position may comprise up to 50% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits

CARECEN also offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan are also available. Personal, vacation and sick time accruals are also provided.

Application Deadline

Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter, resume, three references, and brief writing sample (maximum 10 pages) to Ruth Calvillo at [email protected]. Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish fluency in the cover letter. 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.