Staff Attorney
Immigrant Rights Program
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus
Hybrid Work Schedule, Based in San Francisco, CA
Exempt, Full-Time Position
Applications are due by April 7, 2023
Position Summary
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus (ALC) is hiring a Staff Attorney to work in collaboration with other staff in the Immigrant Rights Program to provide high-quality, client-centered legal services to individuals facing detention and deportation. The primary focus of the role will be engaging in direct representation in removal and habeas proceedings. Consistent with ALC’s multi-pronged approach, the Staff Attorney’s provision of direct legal services will be integrated with impact strategies and community empowerment work. The Staff Attorney may also have opportunities to work on impact litigation and/or affirmative immigration legal services, depending on their experience and interests as well as the needs of the organization
The Organization
Advancing Justice – ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Since 1972, ALC has litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color. Current program areas include Workers’ Rights, Immigrant Rights, Housing Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, National Security & Civil Rights, and Voting Rights. A growing staff of 46 provides strong collegial support and opportunities to learn about and collaborate with other program areas. ALC is a founding member of the national Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation with partners in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our location in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights.
Responsibilities
- Conduct interviews with and provide legal advice to individuals facing immigration consequences based on criminal convictions, including those who are incarcerated or detained
- Manage caseload of crim-imm removal cases, providing high-quality legal representation to clients in removal proceedings, petitions for review, bond proceedings, and motions to reopen
- Identify systemic problems through direct services work and participate in resulting litigation and advocacy efforts
- Engage in habeas litigation in federal court to secure clients’ release from immigration detention
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners, including providing immigration legal support as capacity allows
- Collaborate with Communications staff to develop stories with ALC clients and their communities and execute narrative-shifting strategies
- Collaborate with other staff in the Immigrant Rights Program and perform other duties as needed
Qualifications
- J.D. degree and California bar membership
- Two (2) years of immigration law practice experience
- Significant crim-imm removal defense, post-conviction relief, and/or federal court litigation experience highly desired
- Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage multiple tasks in a timely manner
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income, people of color, and/or immigrant communities
- Experience working with incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated individuals preferred
- Proficiency in an API language or Spanish preferred
Compensation and Benefits
This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. The annual compensation depends on years of relevant experience and ranges from $85,000 to $121,190. ALC offers an additional $1,000 annual compensation for proficiency in a language other than English and an additional $1,000 annual compensation for graduate degree(s) other than the law degree required for this position.
ALC’s comprehensive benefits package includes the following: generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage (ALC pays 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for qualified dependents); a flexible spending account (FSA); and 401(k) retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match. This position is included in the collective bargaining unit represented by CWA Local 9410.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following by April 7, 2023:
(1) cover letter explaining your interest in the position
(2) resume
(3) writing sample (no more 5 pages)
(4) three professional references
Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.