Staff Attorney (Crimmigration Specialist / Public Defender Partnership)

Job Responsibilities

• Direct Representation & Legal Strategy
• Analyze the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and pending charges and develop strategic case plans
• Pursue forms of immigration relief, including asylum, withholding of removal, CAT, cancellation of removal, and other applicable defenses
• Prepare and submit applications, declarations, legal briefs, and supporting evidence
• Crimmigration & Post-Conviction Collaboration
• Identify cases requiring post-conviction relief (PCR) and collaborate with ImmDef’s Post-Conviction Relief team and/or external partners
• Work closely with Public Defender offices and appointed criminal defense counsel to advise on immigration consequences of pleas and convictions, coordinate defense strategies, and support clients navigating both criminal and immigration proceedings
• Analyze and apply evolving case law at the intersection of criminal and immigration law
• Court & Agency Representation
• Represent clients in immigration court, including at Master calendar hearings, Individual merits hearings, and Custody redetermination (bond) hearings
• Represent clients before USCIS and other agencies, including asylum interviews and ICE check-ins
• File appeals, motions to reopen or reconsider, and habeas petitions, as appropriate
• Client-Centered Advocacy
• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal services to individuals facing complex legal and personal circumstances
• Conduct client interviews in detention facilities, jails, or community settings
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Work collaboratively with managing and directing attorneys, paralegals, and case managers
• Participate in case rounds, legal trainings, and mentorship opportunities
• Support ImmDef’s broader advocacy efforts, including community education and partnerships with defender organizations

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree or L.L.M. degree; Active California State Bar License or licensure from another state or U.S. jurisdiction and, if required, willingness and eligibility to "waive into" the CA Bar via the Multi-Junctional Practice Program
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or alongside Public Defender offices and/or analyzing immigration consequences of criminal convictions (e.g., aggravated felonies, CIMTs, controlled substance offenses)
• Experience with any of the following forms of immigration cases is helpful: asylum/WOR/CAT, special immigrant juvenile status (child custody/family court/guardianship), cancellation, waivers, adjustment of status, immigration consequences of criminal convictions, bond, humanitarian parole, post-conviction relief, habeas petitions, BIA appeals, motions to reopen, naturalization
• Experience in immigration law (non-profit or private practice) is a plus, but not required as we are ready and able to provide training
• Experience working with survivors is helpful, including populations that have experienced trauma, abuse and persecution
• Knowledge of best practices in working with clients with mental competency issues, including those suffering from mental health challenges and children, is a plus
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment