Job Description

Staff Attorney - Immigration

We are expanding our legal services and recruiting full-time staff attorneys to join our growing team.

CAIR-Sacramento Valley/Central California is looking for a passionate and talented individual to become our Immigrants' Rights Attorney. Join one of the most dynamic teams serving the American Muslim community. This position aims to increase access to and provide culturally competent immigration legal services to members of the Sacramento Valley immigrant community.

Work Location: CAIR's Sacramento Valley/Central California office

Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $82,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Immigrants' Rights Managing Attorney

Requirements: Access to reliable transportation

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays, and flexible hybrid work schedule. Budget for legal association membership fee, bar license renewal fee, CLE funding support, and malpractice insurance.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts.

About the Role: CAIR-CA provides legal immigration services to refugees, asylum seekers, and the diverse immigrant community in California, The Immigrants' Rights Attorney will report to the Senior Managing Immigrants' Rights Attorney and is primarily responsible for maintaining a full caseload, providing immigration legal consultations and direct legal representation to clients before USCIS, EOIR, and other federal agencies. The Immigrants' Rights Attorney supports the Immigrants' Rights Center team by handling full-scope consultation and representation of various immigration cases, participating in community engagements, outreach and assisting with deliverable requirements for grants as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct client intakes and legal screenings to provide consultations.
• Assess client's other immigration-related needs and provide referrals.
• Prepare immigration applications and petitions for submission to the appropriate agency.
• Research and analyze legal sources such as statutes, legal articles and legal codes to prepare legal documents such as memos, training material, advisories, motions and appeals.
• Handle a full caseload of immigration cases, including affirmative relief before USCIS and removal defense cases before EOIR.
• Represent clients before USCIS, ICE, CBP, DOS and EOIR.
• Oversee work of DOJ Accredited Representatives, paralegals, and case workers as needed.
• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including planning and conducting legal clinics, KYRs, and other community events.
• Participate in, lead, and/or form coalitions with partner organizations, while collaborating with and uplifting immigrant communities and immigrant-led organizations.
• Write and secure grants from foundations and corporations to support immigrants' rights work.
• Assist other staff in producing internal and external reports.
• Oversee efforts to strengthen program policies and procedures.
• Provide staff with case information that is relevant to grant reports.
• Other office duties as needed include day-to-day operational tasks and assisting with organizational fundraising events.

Required Qualifications:

• Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited school is required.
• License to practice law in the United States and membership in good standing with the State Bar is required.
• At least 2 years of immigration law experience, specifically in areas of asylum, family-based petitions, removal defense, and naturalization is required.
• At least one year of experience in various humanitarian-based immigration applications is preferred.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations supporting marginalized communities preferred.
• Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to be productive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking experience.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Access to reliable transportation to drive through the Sacramento region and beyond for client interviews and hearings.
• Ability to maintain discretion and client confidentiality.
• High degree of self-motivation and creativity.
• A strong commitment to immigrant rights CAIR's mission.
• Basic computer proficiency including knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of cloud applications such as SharePoint, Office365 and social media applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Pashto or Dari proficiency.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.

To Apply: Please upload a (1) cover letter discussing your interest in the position, (2) your resume, and (3) a writing sample under five pages.

CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

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