Immigration Justice Project - Staff Attorney, Legal Defense Program
The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.
The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.
The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
In accordance with the federal policies and contractor funding requirements, clearance of federal background checks will be required for this position.
Job Summary
- Accountable for providing legal services to detained immigrants in the San Diego Region Region. This position will require regular involvement with individuals' living in difficult circumstances and who may have experienced trauma.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
- Provides legal services, including direct representation, to detained or locally released immigrants in removal proceedings.
- Provides group and individual legal orientations to detained immigrants in immigration removal proceedings.
- Regularly appears in immigration court. Represents clients seeking immigration relief such as asylum, T Visas, U Visas, cancellation of removal and other relief as appropriate.
- Mentors pro bono attorneys and non-attorneys staff and volunteers as needed.
- Develops and maintains legal competency relating to immigration detention work.
- Builds and maintains relationships with local stakeholders.
- Observes ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards.
- Maintains case files, documentation and data integrity using division’s case management system.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
- Juris Doctorate or Master of Law (LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school and be in good standing.
- Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
- Written and spoken fluency in a secondary language may be required based upon the location and client base served.
- Intermediate proficiency with online research and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
- Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations on software such as Zoom, Teams, etc.
- Must be able to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
- Ability to travel to and enter detention centers.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
- Licensed to practice law, member in the California State Bar and one year experience.
- Prior work experience clients from Central America and including indigenous language- speaking populations.
- Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
- Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.
Physical Requirements
- Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities and/or immigration court, requiring an ability to move about the facility grounds, with documentation materials weighing up to 15 pounds, for up to 15 minutes or more in temperatures that may exceed 90 degrees.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job
- As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.
The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.
Other details
- Pay Type Salary
- Min Hiring Rate $72,236.00
- Max Hiring Rate $85,319.50
- Travel Required Yes
- Travel % 15
- Required Education Doctorate
- ABA IJP, 2727 Camino Del Rio, San Diego, California, United States of America