Overview
Summary
In order to increase access to justice for people facing immigration court, ImmDef is currently hiring additional legal and administrative staff.
The Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to go into court alone and our universal representation programs for children and adults are a first step towards that goal. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.
In 2016, ImmDef launched a unique project focusing on obtaining post-conviction relief for indigent immigrants in order to eliminate the adverse immigration consequences of criminal convictions and sentences. Post-conviction relief work entails case analysis, advocacy, and litigation before the California state criminal courts on overlapping issues involving constitutional, criminal, and immigration laws.
ImmDef seeks a full-time Staff Attorney, based in our Los Angeles office, to primarily work on preparing and litigating post-conviction relief for individuals facing deportation proceedings, as well as providing research and evaluation of criminal issues in removal defense cases. The staff attorney may also represent individuals in their removal proceedings in immigration court. The Staff Attorney will work under the direct supervision of our Supervising Attorney experienced in post-conviction relief and in collaboration with managing and staff attorneys. Our attorneys receive support from paralegals, administrative assistants and case managers.
Essential Functions
1. Prepare and litigate post -conviction relief petitions and motions in California criminal courts;
2. Provide research and analysis of criminal immigration issues relevant to ImmDef’s removal defense cases.
3. Stay up to date on rapidly changing criminal and immigration laws and policies as they relate to criminal immigration issues.
4. Comply with data and program reporting requirements.
5. Participate in advocacy and policy work related to criminal immigration issues.
Competencies
· Strong grasp on legal concepts, especially as they pertain to immigration or criminal law;
· Strong written and oral advocacy skills;
· Strong organizational skills;
· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with staff and clients;
· Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem solving;
· Highly resourceful team player, with the ability to also excel independently;
· Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of constituent service and response
Required Education and Experience
· J.D., and 1-3 years applicable experience;
· Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
· Enthusiasm for working at a progressive, start-up organization;
· Passion for social justice for immigrants required;
- · DACA recipients encouraged to apply!
“We require COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing to be considered.”