LACLJ seeks an attorney with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice advocacy. This attorney will represent low-income survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking in a variety of immigration matters, with a focus on providing relief under VAWA and the U and T Visa. In addition to the humanitarian-based affirmative petitions, the position will attend interviews before USCIS, assist in removal defense hearings at EOIR (Immigration Court), and assist with ICE check-ins, as needed. They will also represent immigrant survivors in the areas of criminal justice advocacy and public benefits, among other related areas of practice that intersect with survivor areas of need. In addition, this position offers the opportunity to:
Provide presentations and trainings to community partners and client communities on immigration and other legal remedies for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, as well as other related legal issues;
Develop relationships and collaborate with a range of public and private community partners to address systemic barriers facing LACLJ’s client community;
Engage in other tasks and projects that further LACLJ’s mission and operations.
Essential Job Skills and Abilities
J.D. degree from accredited law school
Licensed attorney, barred in California preferred
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team
Ability to read, write and speak fluently in Spanish
Commitment to trauma-informed advocacy, cultural responsiveness, empathy, responsive listening, and demonstration of authentic care and concern
Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking
Previous experience working with immigrant or other vulnerable populations
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income people
Salary and Benefits
Starting at $66,000- $80,000 per year or more depending on experience. LACLJ offers a generous benefits package, a 35-hour workweek, paid vacation leave and sick leave and 100% employer-paid medical (Kaiser), dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance. Staff also has the option to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan with matching, and dependent and health flex savings accounts (FSA). LACLJ is an eligible nonprofit employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
The Organization
The mission of Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (LACLJ) is to secure justice for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and empower them to create their own future. Located in East Los Angeles, LACLJ is a non-profit law firm serving survivors throughout Los Angeles County. LACLJ’s primary practice areas are family law and immigration. However, LACLJ strives to provide clients with holistic legal services and has both a growing criminal justice advocacy and appellate practice. Additionally, through our integrated legal/social worker service model, LACLJ Community Advocates work alongside our attorneys providing supportive services such as education, safety planning, and linkages to other service providers as part of the legal team. LACLJ is committed to a trauma-informed and culturally- responsive workplace and service provision.
Essential Job Skills and Abilities
J.D. degree from accredited law school
Licensed attorney, barred in California preferred
Strong written and oral communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team
Ability to read, write and speak fluently in Spanish
Commitment to trauma-informed advocacy, cultural responsiveness, empathy, responsive listening, and demonstration of authentic care and concern
Previous experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking
Previous experience working with immigrant or other vulnerable populations
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income people
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Work will be performed remotely and/or in an office setting at a work station.
This position requires concentration on tasks while facing distractions.
This position requires attendance at meetings, both remote and in person, in and outside the LACLJ office and requires applicants be located in Southern California.
Use of office machines such as computers, photocopiers, and telephones.
Ability to work at and travel between the LACLJ main office at 5301 Whittier Blvd. in East Los Angeles and to court and USCIS offices.
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender or gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation.