Summary

Centro Legal’s immigrants’ rights practice is focused on serving the needs of our most vulnerable community members, including families living in poverty, unaccompanied minors, victims of violent crimes, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and detained individuals in removal proceedings. We offer comprehensive, full-service direct representation to our clients before the immigration courts, USCIS, and federal courts, as well as provide legal rights education and client intake through our various immigration clinics. We specialize in detained and non-detained removal defense with a heavy emphasis on asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), family-based visa petitions, U visas for victims of violent crime, and naturalization.

Responsibilities

The immigrants’ rights legal advocate will provide direct support to our immigrants’ rights team. Duties will include:

• Assist immigration attorneys in all aspects of immigration legal representation for qualified individuals; • Respond to calls, emails, and letters as needed;
• Manage and coordinate databases, case files, attorneys’ correspondence files, etc;
• Provide Spanish-English interpretation in all aspects of immigration legal representation;
• Translate letters and other documents;
• Prepare USCIS and state court forms and other legal filings for attorney review;
• File legal documents in various courts and agencies in the East Bay and San Francisco (including in-person filing provided it is safe to do so);
• Write letters to companies, institutions, and government agencies to assist the client in obtaining police reports, court records, medical records, and school records; and
• Perform other special projects and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

First and foremost, the applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of racial, economic, and social justice. Qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s degree, or associate’s degree combined with relevant experience, is required;
• Fluency in Spanish is required;
• Excellent word-processing and computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Must be well organized, efficient, highly motivated, able to handle multiple tasks at once, work well under pressure, and take initiative;
• Must have outstanding written, verbal and interpersonal skills, superb attention to detail, and excellent phone manner;
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team;
• Willingness to conduct training and outreach activities in the community.;
• Experience working with low-income, immigrant, and monolingual Spanish-speaking communities; and
• Strong commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities, with an ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues.
• Additional desired qualifications:
  • Experience in immigration law, and removal defense specifically
  • Experience completing USCIS and judicial council forms

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $24.13-$29.59. We provide a generous benefits package, including life insurance, LTD, leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply without delay. To apply, send a brief cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references by email to jobs@centrolegal.org, with the subject line, "Immigrants’ Rights Advocate/Paralegal".

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant, low-income, and Latino communities through bilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We combine quality legal services with know-your-rights education, affirmative litigation, and youth development, ensuring access to justice for thousands of individuals and families each year throughout Northern and Central California. For more information, visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

Diversity Statement

Centro Legal’s mission includes advancing social, economic and racial justice. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within and ensuring a workplace where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond. Our staff are the most important part of our ability to achieve our mission. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, sustainability and our organization’s success.

Centro Legal de la Raza is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Summary

This posting is for a position within the Securing Safety for Youth and Families (SSYF) team, which sits within the Immigrants’ Rights program. The SSYF team leads our work in representing youth and families who are fleeing violence and persecution, through direct representation and partnerships with local school districts and community advocates. SSYF work primarily involves non-detained removal defense of unaccompanied minors and family units, as well as representation before USCIS in affirmative applications, including asylum, U nonimmigrant visas and Special Immigration Juvenile Status.

Responsibilities

Centro Legal is seeking an experienced attorney for our Securing Safety for Youth and Families team. The supervising attorney will carry a large but reduced caseload consisting primarily of non-detained unaccompanied minors and family units in removal proceedings, and will supervise a designated team of staff members in the provision of immigration legal services.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Directly representing unaccompanied minors and family units in removal proceedings before the San Francisco and Sacramento Immigration Courts and Board of Immigration Appeals;
• Preparing, reviewing, and submitting applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, cancelation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, including state court petitions;
• Conducting telephonic and/or in-person intakes and consultations, including at various school sites, and working with the SSYF team to assess cases for possible representation and referrals;
• Supervising, mentoring, and ensuring ongoing professional and leadership development for a diverse group of staff attorneys, DOJ accredited representatives, and paralegals, including holding regular check-ins and prioritizing self-care and wellbeing in the assignment of case work;
• Conducting Know-Your-Rights presentations to community members;
• Presenting to government and non-government agencies; community-based organizations on changes in immigration law;
• Representing Centro Legal at collaborative and stakeholder meetings with local and regional partners;
• Identifying potential federal litigation cases arising from direct services work and assisting in impact litigation efforts in federal district and circuit courts for placement with pro bono attorney or other non-profit litigation partners; and
• Assisting in determining appropriate case stories for use in reports, advocacy materials, and public education and providing information and interviews to media on current immigration law and policy topics.

Qualifications

The applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of racial, economic and social justice. Qualifications include:

• J.D; admitted and in good standing with a State bar; as this position entails representation of minors in state court proceedings, CA bar admission is strongly preferred;
• Fluency in Spanish required;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in removal defense required;
• Experience representing of asylum seekers and/or unaccompanied minors preferred;
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to immigrant justice and public interest law;
• A record of moving legal cases forward and demonstrated ability to build and manage a heavy caseload;
• Strong leadership skills, preferably with experience supervising other attorneys and legal advocates;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on projects with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion within the office and a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction;
• Familiarity in working with clients in crisis or who are recent trauma survivors; and
• Willingness to conduct training and outreach activities in the community.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $78,413-$87,823. We provide a generous benefits package, including life insurance, LTD, leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Include “Supervising Attorney – Immigration- SSYF” in the subject line. Please email application materials to jobs@centrolegal.org

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and low-income communities of color through multilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We envision a world where all people enjoy dignity, respect and the freedom to move; where the most marginalized voices lead movements for change; where migration builds bridges; where communities remain together; where all people find safety; and where carceral systems are abolished. We ground our work in principles of anti-racism, community and client-centered practices and intersectionality.

Immigrants’ Rights Legal Practice

Centro Legal’s immigration practice encompasses full-scope direct representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); in affirmative applications filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and before the federal courts of appeals. Centro Legal has served as both class counsel and organizational plaintiffs in impact litigation mounting constitutional, statutory and administrative law challenges to immigration policies. We also engage in and support local, state, and national advocacy efforts in the fight for immigrants’ rights.

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the values and experiences of the communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. For more information, please visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

A Note On Our Organization’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity

Centro Legal’s mission includes advancing social, economic and racial justice. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within and ensuring a workplace where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond. Our staff are the most important part of our ability to achieve our mission. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, sustainability and our organization’s success. Centro Legal de la Raza is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Summary

Centro Legal’s immigration practice encompasses full-scope direct representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); in affirmative applications filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); in federal district court (e.g., in habeas corpus actions); and before the federal courts of appeals. Centro Legal has served as both class counsel and organizational plaintiffs in impact litigation mounting constitutional, statutory and administrative law challenges to immigration policies. AID’s casework primarily involves detained removal defense, the intersection of immigration and criminal law, and immigration detention issues. AID additionally engages in local, state, and national advocacy and supports ongoing organizing efforts inside the detention centers we serve.

Responsibilities

Centro Legal is seeking an attorney with experience in detained removal defense and in organizing and advocacy to help lead the AID team. Primary duties will include:

• upervise, mentor, and support the ongoing professional development of staff attorneys and non-attorney advocates.
• Help our team grow into a less hierarchical model, driven by the principles of movement lawyering.
• In collaboration with local, regional, and national partners, lead AID in developing and executing a policy advocacy strategy to advance clients’ interests and move towards the abolition of immigration detention.
• Support organizing and advocacy efforts led by directly impacted people, including incarcerated and detained individuals, and grassroots community organizations.
• In collaboration with partners, develop and execute a media strategy. Assist in preparing press releases and participate in press interviews.
• Work with management and development teams to educate funders about the impact of our detention-related work. Advocate for funding that supports the on-the-grounds needs of people in detention and allows us to respond in real time to changes in immigration law and policy. Assist with grant proposals and reports when necessary.
• Directly represent individuals—primarily detained—in bond, removal, credible fear review, and reasonable fear review proceedings before the San Francisco, N. Los Angeles, and Van Nuys Immigration Courts (and other Immigration Courts as necessary). Litigate appeals before the BIA, Petitions for Review before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and habeas corpus proceedings in federal district court.
• Prepare, review, and file applications, legal briefs, and supporting documents for cases involving contested removal and various forms of relief, principally including asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, VAWA, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, and LPR and non-LPR cancellation of removal. Prepare and file affirmative immigration applications (e.g., U visa, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) as necessary.
• Conduct telephonic and/or in-person intakes with detained and incarcerated individuals, principally at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility, the Golden State Annex, and FCI Dublin, and possibly other detention centers. Working with team to assess cases for possible representation and referrals.

Qualifications

First and foremost, the applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of social justice. Qualifications include:

• J.D; admitted and in good standing with a State bar;
• Fluency in Spanish required;
• Strong leadership skills and experience supervising others;
• Significant experience in engaging in advocacy and organizing work
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in removal defense required, including on behalf of detained individuals, individuals with criminal convictions, and individuals experiencing mental illness;
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, immigrant justice, and public interest law;
• Experience with circuit court appeals and federal habeas litigation preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on projects with other advocates and diverse community organizations;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office and a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction;
• Familiarity in working with clients in crisis or who are recent trauma survivors; and
• Willingness to conduct training and outreach activities in the community.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $78,413-$87,823.We provide a generous benefits package, including life insurance, LTD, leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit via email only: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Include “Immigrants’ Rights Supervising Attorney – AID” in the subject line. Please note that candidates who move on to the second round of interviews will also be asked to provide references from clients whom they have previously represented as well as individuals they have previously supervised. Please email application materials jobs@centrolegal.org

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and low-income communities of color through multilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We envision a world where all people enjoy dignity, respect and the freedom to move; where the most marginalized voices lead movements for change; where migration builds bridges; where communities remain together; where all people find safety; and where carceral systems are abolished. We ground our work in principles of anti-racism, community and movement lawyering, and intersectionality. Centro Legal’s Abolishing Immigration Detention (AID) team, which sits within the Immigrants’ Rights Project, works to dismantle racist and inequitable policies at the intersection of the criminal and immigration legal systems through high-quality direct legal services and litigation, advocacy and organizing, and community empowerment and know-your-rights education. We believe that following the leadership of people most directly impacted by immigration detention, and upliftingt the demands of the mostmarginalized and criminalized people in detention—including Black migrants, people with disabilities, and queer and transgender individuals—holds the key to our collective liberation.

Finally, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the values and experiences of the communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that rejects the same harmful dynamics of power oppression we fight in court and in the streets. For more information, please visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

A Note On Our Organization’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity

Centro Legal’s mission includes advancing social, economic and racial justice. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within and ensuring a workplace where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond. Our staff are the most important part of our ability to achieve our mission. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, sustainability and our organization’s success. Centro Legal de la Raza is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Summary

This posting is for a position within the Keeping Communities Together (KCT) team, which sits within the Immigrants’ Rights Project. The KCT team works to lead our work in representing undocumented immigrants that are long-time residents and lawful permanent residents, in deffensive and affirmative relief. KCT work primarily involves non-detained removal defense and some representation before USCIS in affirmative applications, including U nonimmigrant visas, family-based petitions, VAWA, Special Immigration Juvenile Status and Naturalization and Citizenship. We also collaborate in advocacy and litigation to ensure that communities can fight back against detention and deportation.

Responsibilities

Centro Legal is seeking an experienced attorney to assist in the provision of non-detained removal defense and affirmative immigration remedies. Duties include the following areas of responsibility:

• Directly representing non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before the San Francisco Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals;
• Preparing, reviewing, and filing applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
• Conduct telephonic and/or in-person intakes and consultations, and work with KCT team to assess cases for possible representation and referrals.
• Conducting Know-Your-Rights presentations to community members;
• Assist in identifying potential federal litigation cases arising from direct services work and leading impact litigation efforts in federal district and circuit courts: for in house representation and/or placement with pro bono attorneys and with other non-profit litigation partners;
• Assisting in determining appropriate case stories for use in reports, advocacy materials, and public education and providing expert testimony to media on current immigration law and policy topics.
• Collaborating with local, regional, and national partners on policy initiatives, funding, and litigation efforts, as needed.
• Presenting to and working with law enforcement, prosecutorial offices, and community-based organizations on changes in immigration law.
• Additional duties of Supervising Attorney:
  • Training, mentoring, supervising and supporting ongoing professional and leadership development of a diverse group of attorneys, paralegals, including holding regular check-ins
  • Assigning and helping manage supervisees’ caseloads at a rate that promotes self-care and wellbeing.
  • Conducting annual performance evaluation of supervisees

Qualifications

First and foremost, the applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of racial, social and economic justice. Below are additional qualifications

• J.D; admitted and in good standing with a State bar;
• Fluency in Spanish required;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in removal defense required;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on projects with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office and a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction;
• A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, immigrant justice, and public interest law;
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
• A record of moving legal cases forward and demonstrated ability to build and manage a heavy caseload;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Experience working with organizers, grassroot organizations, and implementing movement lawyering principals desired;
• Familiarity in working with clients in crisis or who are recent trauma survivors; and
• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental illness is helpful;
• Willingness to conduct training and outreach activities in the community;
• Additional qualifications of Supervising Attorney:
  • Experience managing projects;
  • Experience building leadership of diverse groups; and
  • Experience supervising attorneys and other staff.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $78,413-$87,823. We provide a generous benefits package, including life insurance, LTD, leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit via email only: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Include “Supervising Attorney - KCT” in the subject line (please also specify if you would like to be considered for one or both positions). Please email application materials directly to jobs@centrolegal.org

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and low-income communities of color through multilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We envision a world where all people enjoy dignity, respect and the freedom to move; where the most marginalized voices lead movements for change; where migration builds bridges; where communities remain together; where all people find safety; and where carceral systems are abolished. We ground our work in principles of anti-racism, community and client-centered practices and intersectionality.

Immigrants’ Rights Legal Practice

Centro Legal’s immigration practice encompasses full-scope direct representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); in affirmative applications filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and before the federal courts of appeals. Centro Legal has served as both class counsel and organizational plaintiffs in impact litigation mounting constitutional, statutory and administrative law challenges to immigration policies. We also engage in and support local, state, and national advocacy efforts in the fight for immigrants’ rights.

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the values and experiences of the communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. For more information, please visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

A Note On Our Organization’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity

Centro Legal’s mission includes advancing social, economic and racial justice. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within and ensuring a workplace where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond. Our staff are the most important part of our ability to achieve our mission. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, sustainability and our organization’s success. Centro Legal de la Raza is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Summary

This posting is for a position within the Keeping Communities Together (KCT) team, which sits within the Immigrants’ Rights Project. The KCT team works to lead our work in representing undocumented immigrants that are long-time residents and lawful permanent residents, in deffensive and affirmative relief. KCT work primarily involves non-detained removal defense and some representation before USCIS in affirmative applications, including U nonimmigrant visas, family-based petitions, VAWA, Special Immigration Juvenile Status and Naturalization and Citizenship. We also collaborate in advocacy and litigation to ensure that communities can fight back against detention and deportation.

Responsibilities

Centro Legal is seeking an experienced attorney to assist in the provision of non-detained removal defense and affirmative immigration remedies. Duties include the following areas of responsibility:

• Directly representing non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before the San Francisco Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals;
• Preparing, reviewing, and filing applications, legal briefs, and supporting documentation for cases involving asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U visa, VAWA, and adjustment of status with applicable waivers, refugee waivers, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
• Conduct telephonic and/or in-person intakes and consultations, and work with KCT team to assess cases for possible representation and referrals.
• Conducting Know-Your-Rights presentations to community members;
• Assist in identifying potential federal litigation cases arising from direct services work and leading impact litigation efforts in federal district and circuit courts: for in house representation and/or placement with pro bono attorneys and with other non-profit litigation partners;
• Assisting in determining appropriate case stories for use in reports, advocacy materials, and public education and providing expert testimony to media on current immigration law and policy topics.
• Collaborating with local, regional, and national partners on policy initiatives, funding, and litigation efforts, as needed.
• Presenting to and working with law enforcement, prosecutorial offices, and community-based organizations on changes in immigration law.
• Additional duties of Supervising Attorney:
  • Training, mentoring, supervising and supporting ongoing professional and leadership development of a diverse group of attorneys, paralegals, including holding regular check-ins
  • Assigning and helping manage supervisees’ caseloads at a rate that promotes self-care and wellbeing.
  • Conducting annual performance evaluation of supervisees

Qualifications

First and foremost, the applicant must profoundly share Centro Legal’s mission and vision of racial, social and economic justice. Below are additional qualifications

• J.D; admitted and in good standing with a State bar;
• Fluency in Spanish required;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in removal defense required;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on projects with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity within the office and a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, immigration status, and record of arrest or conviction;
• A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, immigrant justice, and public interest law;
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills;
• A record of moving legal cases forward and demonstrated ability to build and manage a heavy caseload;
• Strong leadership skills;
• Experience working with organizers, grassroot organizations, and implementing movement lawyering principals desired;
• Familiarity in working with clients in crisis or who are recent trauma survivors; and
• Experience working with individuals suffering from mental illness is helpful;
• Willingness to conduct training and outreach activities in the community;
• Additional qualifications of Supervising Attorney:
  • Experience managing projects;
  • Experience building leadership of diverse groups; and
  • Experience supervising attorneys and other staff.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience ranging from $72,958- $79,231. We provide a generous benefits package, including life insurance, LTD, leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay.

To Apply

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit via email only: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Include “Senior Staff Attorney – KCT” in the subject line (please also specify if you would like to be considered for one or both positions). Please email application materials directly to jobs@centrolegal.org

About Centro Legal de la Raza

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Oakland, California, Centro Legal de la Raza (Centro Legal) is a comprehensive legal services and advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and low-income communities of color through multilingual representation, education, and advocacy. We envision a world where all people enjoy dignity, respect and the freedom to move; where the most marginalized voices lead movements for change; where migration builds bridges; where communities remain together; where all people find safety; and where carceral systems are abolished. We ground our work in principles of anti-racism, community and client-centered practices and intersectionality.

Immigrants’ Rights Legal Practice

Centro Legal’s immigration practice encompasses full-scope direct representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), including the Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA); in affirmative applications filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and before the federal courts of appeals. Centro Legal has served as both class counsel and organizational plaintiffs in impact litigation mounting constitutional, statutory and administrative law challenges to immigration policies. We also engage in and support local, state, and national advocacy efforts in the fight for immigrants’ rights.

We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the values and experiences of the communities we serve. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. For more information, please visit our website: https://centrolegal.org/

A Note On Our Organization’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity

Centro Legal’s mission includes advancing social, economic and racial justice. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within and ensuring a workplace where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond. Our staff are the most important part of our ability to achieve our mission. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, sustainability and our organization’s success. Centro Legal de la Raza is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, marital status, family responsibilities, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, HIV/AIDs status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Centro Legal also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that an individual has any of the characteristics of the protected classes listed above, and further prohibits discrimination against an individual who is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED