Job Description

• Provide culturally and linguistically competent legal representation of Black migrants and refugees in affirmative and defensive proceedings, including, but not limited to: affirmative asylum applications, adjustment of status, Temporary Protected Status, full-scope asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture representation before the Immigration Court, Motions to Reopen, Appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and/or Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, credible and reasonable fear interview representation and Immigration Judge review, bond and parole applications;

• Conduct legal screenings and intake interviews with asylum seekers in the Los Angeles area, including at detention facilities in Southern California;

• Assist in the identification of cases appropriate for pro bono placement and direct representation within our program;

• Ensure that refugees represented by Human Rights First’s pro bono team receive high-quality legal representation whether by means of (1) direct representation; or (2) mentoring to volunteer attorneys;

• Provide pro bono attorneys with prompt and thorough legal and procedural support on our pro bono asylum cases, including conducting trainings, strategizing on individual cases, reviewing draft submissions, and informing volunteers of significant legal developments in asylum law;

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local law firms and volunteer attorneys;

• Assist in placement of our cases with volunteer attorneys and promote attorney interest in pro bono representation of asylum seekers;

• Collaborate with other local service providers to strategize on how to best meet the needs of the Black migrant and other immigrant populations and improve access to legal representation Southern California;

• Identify, analyze, and respond to legal or procedural changes that affect asylum seekers, including statutory changes, proposed regulations, and decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals or federal courts;

• Assist in furthering advocacy initiatives by meeting with local officials at government agencies and detention facilities, and engaging in other advocacy efforts in collaboration with the Refugee Protection team, as needed;

• Promote Human Rights First’s mission by participating in local community events, promotional events, and other professional networking events that will increase the organization’s profile in the community;

• Participate in collaborative spaces held by CDSS and the technical assistance provider, pursuant to the terms of the BIRE Project funding;

• Assist the Managing Attorney and Legal Services Coordinator in managing data and reporting requirements for CDSS; and

• Other duties as requested based on the team and/or organization’s need.

• A U.S. law degree (J.D.) and currently an active member of a U.S. state or the District of Columbia bar, preferably California ;

• At least one year of relevant immigration and/or asylum experience, with preference for immigration court experience;

• A demonstrated commitment to increase access to legal representation for the Black immigrant and refugee community;

• Fluency in another language spoken among Black refugee populations, such as French, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Tigrinya, other West or East African languages, or Spanish, is highly desirable (reading and writing);

• Commitment to working with volunteer lawyers and experience in mentoring other attorneys, especially on immigration law matters;

• Ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet deadlines, and to identify and analyze legal issues;

• Knowledge of U.S. immigration law and policy;

• Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds as well as survivors of trauma or torture;

• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, particularly in a collegial, team-based approach to work;

• Adaptability to embrace and navigate new, dynamic projects, and an ability to recognize and maximize opportunities on behalf of the organization;

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully across organization lines, to work comfortably in a variety of settings, including legal, academic, and advocacy, and to work confidently with government officials and the media;

• Ability to travel regionally to local detention facilities by car (mileage is reimbursed), and a valid driver’s license;

• Good judgment and proven ability to provide leadership and support to fellow team members.

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time.

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