Immigration Attorney

About San Diego

San Diego, with a population of nearly 1.5 million people, is the second largest city in California, and the eighth largest city in the country. Known for its beautiful year-round climate, miles of gorgeous beaches, and its small city vibe, San Diego is also in the midst of a dramatic political realignment, with increased opportunity for effecting meaningful change at the city, county, and through its representation at the state and federal level.

San Diego sits on the U.S. - Mexico Border just north of Tijuana, and the two cities comprise the world’s largest metropolitan, binational region. San Ysidro, one of three border crossings in the region, is consistently cited as the world’s busiest port of entry. San Diego is also the number one refugee resettlement site in California, with more than 86,000 thousand resettled from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa since 1975.

Refugee resettlement and the cross-border character of the region make San Diego a rich blend of racial/ethnic, linguistic, and country-of-birth diversity. The region presents unique opportunities to be on the front lines of the fight for human rights, and to be a part of a public interest community that is incubating cutting edge refugee and racial justice policy for the entire country.

About PANA

The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fighting to advance the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees in San Diego, throughout California, and across the country. PANA works at the intersection of African, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) refugee communities impacted by racial/ethnic profiling, religious bias, increased government surveillance and harassment, and poverty among the many issues affecting our refugee communities.

PANA advances significant policy reforms at the city, county, and state level to ensure newly resettled refugees have equal access to family sustaining jobs, quality and healthy homes, and meaningful education that translates to upskilling in the workforce. In addition to policy and legal advocacy, PANA uses an integrated voter engagement approach to build and leverage deep community networks, develop community leaders, and establish a civic engagement infrastructure to amplify the voice, visibility, and impact of our community.

Immigration Attorney Position

Immigration Attorney Position

The immigration attorney will conduct legal assessment of potential clients and review complex cases to determine eligibility for immigration benefits as well as provide referrals to other legal providers as appropriate. They will provide consultations, provide direct legal representation, and prepare and submit applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum (affirmatively and defensively), withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, Temporary Protected Status, work permits, travel permits/advance parole, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. 


Responsibilities

  • Direct legal representation of immigrants and asylum seekers in removal proceedings, bond proceedings, and appeals before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), with a focus on representation of clients with non-detained cases

  • Provide legal services, orientation, and direct representation, to immigrants and asylum seekers facing removal

  • Develop and maintain legal competency relating to immigration legal services

  • Build and maintain relationships with internal PANA team and local stakeholders

  • Observe ethical practices relating to confidentiality and all other applicable legal ethics standards

  • Maintain case files, documentation and data integrity using division's case management system

  • Ensure contract compliance, including helping to prepare funder reports and ensuring that data is entered accurately and timely as required

  • Perform other related duties as required

  • The Immigration Attorney will report directly to the Immigration Legal Director. 


Qualifications and Skills Required

  • Juris Doctorate (JD) degree or Master of Law (LLM) degree, from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory with current Bar membership in good standing. 

  • Fluent in English in written and spoken forms.

  • Comfortable with public speaking and frequent communication with clients and their supporters, government counsel, court staff, and immigration officers and judges. 

  • Must have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations. 

  • Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record. 

  • Ability to travel to the San Diego Immigration Court in downtown San Diego, Otay Mesa Immigration Court, and Otay Mesa Detention Center. 

  • Comfort with working with colleagues and clients from all over the world, with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

  • Familiarity with legal research tools, strong written and oral advocacy skills, and a commitment to participate fully in training and development of these skills.

  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools and sophisticated use of technology.

  • At least one year of immigration-related experience.


Compensation

Salary range:  $75,000 - $85,000 commensurate upon experience. Excellent benefits include:


  • full health care coverage; 

  • paid sick, family, and parental leave; 

  • 3% employer contribution to 401K; 

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Professional coaching and training programs; and 

  • 120 hours of vacation, 12 paid holidays, and office is closed the last two weeks of the year.


To Apply

Applicants should email a resume, writing sample, and cover letter to admin@panasd.org.