Job description

Step Forward Foundation

Immigration Staff Attorney

Title: Senior Immigration Staff Attorney

Location: Morgan Hill, CA & San Jose, CA (Currently Remote)

Reports to: Executive Director

Type of Position: Full-Time/Exempt

Summary: Step Forward Foundation is a non-profit organization providing specialized legal services to low-income communities in Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey Counties. We are a small close-knit group of social justice minded professionals serving primarily victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We currently provide immigration, family law, and limited-scope employment law representation. We promote work-life balance and mental health wellness within our organization. Come join our vibrant, fun, and warm team!

Position Overview: We are looking for an experienced attorney to join our team as an immigration attorney with expertise in removal defense work to provide one-on-one consultations and to represent individuals. The Staff or Senior Staff Attorney will be expected to be in the office (part-time to full-time) in the future depending on safety guidelines. We will consider attorneys living outside of the State of California, but will fully be dependent on EOIR in San Francisco’s remote policy. Step Forward staff is currently working remotely due to the COVID pandemic and engages in virtual meetings, communication, and case work.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct client-centered intakes and legal consultations with prospective clients and other group legal clinics as required.
• Manage a removal defense caseload of non-detained clients.
• Direct legal representation of immigrants in defensive cases before the EOIR, BIA, USCIS, and/or AAO. There may be crossover in some humanitarian affirmative cases (approximately 10-15%). Representation includes masters and merits hearing before Immigration Court, including preparing clients and cases, drafting briefs, and all pre-hearing motions required.
• Create opportunities for clients to share their stories.
• Responsible for complying with data and program reporting requirements
• Stay informed regarding changes and updates in applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Provide training and guidance for DOJ Accredited Representatives, interns, and/or volunteers with SFF.
• Compiling sample and template motions and other technical assistance documents necessary to assist staff.
• Developing relationships with nonprofits and clinics who work with Step Forward’s clients.
• Developing relationships with prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, domestic and sexual violence nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders in the criminal and civil justice systems who work for the benefit of immigrants.
• Drafting and reviewing community education materials.
• May perform other similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent within the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate
• Some immigration law experience preferred,
• Spanish proficiency required (will be tested at interview)
• Strong interest in providing representation to low-income communities and survivors of crimes
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• California driver license and have access to a registered vehicle
• Must be COVID-19 vaccinated

Compensation Package

Salary Range:

$65,000 to $73,000 for 0-4 years of removal defense experience for Staff Attorney Level

$73,000 to $83,000 for 4+ years of removal defense experience for Senior Staff Attorney Level

Years of experience can be substituted with number of completed merits hearing.

Generous Benefits:

• 100% employer-covered medical insurance (includes, health, dental, and vision for staff);
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Accrued paid time off includes: 2 Weeks (80-hours) Paid-Time Off (PTO);

7 Days (56-hours) Personal/Floating Holidays; and 5 Days (40-hours) Paid Sick Days

• CalSavers
• Malpractice Insurance
• Paid Bar Dues
• Position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

How to Apply:

Please submit the following material to email with the subject line: Staff Attorney Application. Please submit all material in PDF format and name the document with the Last Name_First Name_File name_ Year-Month Date (e.g. Last Name_First Name_Resume_Date)

• Cover Letter that demonstrates Spanish proficiency
• Resume
• Brief writing sample
• Desired Salary
• List of three (3) references

*Step Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds, especially individuals from immigrant and refugee communities. People of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ persons, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to seek employment at Step Forward.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
Must be COVID-19 vaccinated

Language:

• Spanish, English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Bar (Required)

Work Location: Remote

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