Senior Managing Attorney, Removal Defense

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with national impact made of diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions, and coalitions to build power, transform public opinions, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights.

About the role

The Senior Managing Attorney will work within a multi-person team and provide support to the Legal Services Department, specifically overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the Removal Defense Unit (RDU). This includes full authority and oversight over all staff within the unit, collaborating with the Director and Deputy Director on strategic planning, staff supervision, financial and grants management, community collaborations, fundraising, and program-wide initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion. The role also involves participating as a member of the Legal department management team.

Responsibilities

• Staff Management:
  • Supervise, oversee, lead, and manage legal staff, including Supervising Attorneys, Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, DOJ Accredited Representatives, Law Clerks, Legal Fellows, and Legal Assistants to ensure deliverables for government contracts and funding sources are met.
  • Assign and direct work, including case assignments; appraise performance; handle rewards, discipline, and problem resolution.
  • Conduct on-site supervision and visits to branch offices as needed.
  • Hold regular supervision meetings with RDU staff.
  • Review staff files before documentation is filed with USCIS, EOIR, or other courts/agencies.
  • Conduct quarterly open and closed case file reviews.
  • Update the unit’s operations manual, protocols, and procedures.
  • Mentor attorneys, DOJ Accredited Representatives, Law Clerks, and other legal staff to foster professional growth.
• Staff Recruitment:
  • Collaborate with the Talent and Recruitment Manager to source candidates and build a robust pipeline.
  • Screen resumes and job applications.
  • Participate in candidate interviews, selection, and onboarding processes.
• Budget Management/Fund Sourcing:
  • Write quarterly and year-end reports for all funding sources in coordination with Data, Development, and Finance departments.
  • Handle billing, reporting, and documentation, including client file maintenance.
  • Prepare or participate in grants report preparation as needed.
• Immigration Legal Assistance:
  • Supervise and review work product of attorneys, law clerks, DOJ accredited representatives, administrative staff, and legal interns.
  • Conduct client consultations to determine eligibility for federal immigration benefits.
  • Complete appropriate immigration applications for clients.
  • Represent clients before the Department of Homeland Security, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Immigration Court, or other venues.
  • Stay current with changes in immigration law and ensure staff understanding of these changes.
  • Handle complex cases involving criminal history, immigration law violations, family law issues, removal proceedings, appeals, etc.
  • Research and analyze complex legal matters for own caseload and supervised staff.
  • Assume and delegate caseload of departing staff as needed.
  • Maintain all case records and documentation per CHIRLA and RDU policies.
  • Make referrals for services beyond the program’s scope or competencies.
• Community Outreach:
  • Actively participate or present immigration-related information to immigrant and non-immigrant communities.
  • Conduct presentations on immigration law and policy for community members and stakeholders.
  • Create and maintain partnerships with community organizations for capacity building and funding opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with CBOs, law schools, foundations, government, and other organizations.
  • Engage in national-level training, professional engagements, and community-based partnerships.
• Program Efficiency:
  • Collaborate with the Director and Deputy Director to set case management protocols, including case audits for record review and quality assurance.
  • Oversee program data collection and ensure timely reporting of compliance and contract activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director and Deputy Director of Legal Services.

Requirements

• JD and active membership in the California State Bar with at least five years post bar admission.
• At least five years of experience in immigration law.
• At least five years of experience representing non-citizens as an attorney before courts, administrative agencies, and other venues.
• Experience working with underserved and diverse populations.
• Advocacy experience in services for victims of crime.
• Ability to travel to various CHIRLA offices and partner locations for events, audits, meetings, and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project, team, or organizational management experience.
• Experience working at a non-profit organization or government agency.
• Experience working on cases involving removal defense and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Skills

• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, members, and allies.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with last-minute deadlines.
• Experience collaborating with community organizations.
• Highly self-motivated, creative, takes initiative, and works well in an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at different stages of design and execution.
• Strong problem-solving, follow-through, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or similar software.
• Strong commitment to CHIRLA’s mission of empowering low-income community groups and immigrants.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Support for CHIRLA’s fundraising goals, including annual drives and GALA activities.

Pay

$111,300 to $120,382 annually.

Benefits

• Annual paid vacation.
• Additional paid holiday leave in December.
• Employer contribution to retirement account.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

This is an exempt, full-time, regular position. Note that this is a management role and is not covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 4501.

Reports to: Deputy Director of Legal Services

Location: Los Angeles, CA (Headquarters)