Immigration Staff Attorney

The Staff Attorney provides advice, case review, consultation & professional representation at hearings or courts on issues such as protection orders, family law, immigration, housing/tenancy, public benefits, and employment law. SJCH serves largely disenfranchised communities – individuals and families living in poverty: immigrants (both documented and undocumented); Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other People of Color; LGBTQ+; victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system; and disenfranchised youth. Staff Attorneys are hired to provide legal representation to patients served under various grant funded programs, and are expected to hold specific and general expertise in one or more areas of civil law, or in assisting patients with the lingering effects of involvement with the criminal justice system during and post incarceration.

Responsibilities

• Provide counsel, advice and representation to victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault.
• Work with social service teams to provide comprehensive care to clients of the LSP.
• Assist veterans by representing them in discharge upgrades, removal of license suspensions, or any other factors making them at risk of homelessness.
• Assist clients with legal service needs related to parentage, dissolution, child or spousal support, or any factor in family law setting related to their status as a victim of crime.
• Assist clients in pro per or represent, as appropriate.
• Assist with the development of an outreach plan to the St. John’s patient community, government organizations, non-government organizations and surrounding communities regarding the services offered by St. John’s.
• Extended networking with NGO’s for the purposes of establishing MOU’s and long term relationships.
• Draft forms, briefs and prepare filings as needed.
• Attend meetings of various St. John’s partners and advocacy organizations.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed.
• As an exempt position, evening and/or weekend hours may be required to ensure the fulfillment of all duties and responsibilities.
• Work evenings at least twice a month for the LSP free legal clinics.
• Work closely with support staff to streamline administrative processes and enhance overall client support.
• Prepare reporting measures on a regular schedule, including building out the case management systems that track such data.
• Conduct local area travel for outreach purposes, connecting with the community and ensuring that individuals are aware of available legal services.
• Provide Legal Services education to SJCH clinic staff and program staff.
• Track time and grant related activities as required by grant or position.
• Given capacity limits, also provide legal services to patients of St John’s not qualified for grant services.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the California State Bar and be in good standing.
• Fluency in Spanish is ideal, but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care to address the unique needs of the vulnerable population served.
• A mixed focus on Family Law, DVRO’s, CHRO’s, & Immigration Law.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to engage with diverse community members and convey complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.
• Commitment to public interest law: Passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting social justice.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively