Staff Attorney - Immigrants' Rights (Anti-Detention Team)

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as amplifying the power of clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on a pro bono legal service model, our staff and volunteers seek justice through direct legal services, education and outreach, and community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles.

Public Counsel’s Immigrants’ Rights team envisions a world where all (im)migrants live with dignity, power, and opportunity. Staffed by approximately 30 attorneys, administrative staff, and social workers, the team provides direct legal representation to detained immigrants and non-citizens seeking asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA, T and U visas, and other relief in immigration court. The team also engages in local and national advocacy, recruits and mentors pro bono attorneys, handles appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts, and conducts impact litigation.

About the role

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will provide zealous, client-centered, and trauma-informed direct representation to immigrants in removal proceedings and detention.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
• Provide immigration consultations to immigrants in removal proceedings and/or detention
• Provide full-scope representation in removal proceedings, including bond proceedings, habeas petitions, and parole requests
• File Motions to Reopen/Reconsider with the immigration court, USCIS, or Administrative Appeals Office
• File affirmative applications for humanitarian immigration relief
• Work collaboratively with team members to provide client-centered, holistic, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary services
• Collect case data and contribute to grant reports
• Assist with administrative tasks, including opening and closing matters, printing, scanning, and maintaining files
• Maintain a caseload of 30-35 active matters
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree and a member in good standing of the California State Bar
• 1-11 years of experience in legal advocacy
• Experience in immigration removal defense and detention work
• Experience preparing, litigating, and/or supporting attorneys’ fees motions preferred
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
• Experience in habeas petitions and BIA Appeals preferred
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage a large caseload independently
• Attention to detail
• Comfort and experience working with clients from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with complex trauma and those who have been criminalized
• Understanding of trauma and its effects on clients and advocates
• Willingness and ability to travel to asylum offices, detention centers, superior and federal courts, and immigration courts in Southern California
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and problem-solve effectively
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with team members
• Desire to learn and grow as an advocate, and openness to feedback
• Commitment to immigrants’ rights and Public Counsel’s mission
• Commitment to economic and racial justice, including advancing equity and inclusion at Public Counsel
• High levels of emotional intelligence, maturity, and cultural competency

Exempt employees are expected to work a minimum of 37.5 hours per week and must work additional time as necessary to accomplish job duties in a timely and professional manner. Flexibility in work hours is required to provide superior quality and timely service to clients.

Pay

Salary range for an attorney with 1-11 years of experience is $78,000-$103,400, depending on years of experience.

Schedule

• Full-time/exempt
• 9-month probationary period
• Fixed-duration position funded for one year from start date; continued employment contingent on additional funding

Benefits

• Medical coverage with option for 100% employer-paid premiums for employee and dependent child(ren); buy-up options available
• Dental and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account option
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans
• 15 accrued vacation days (increasing to 20 after 3 years)
• 12 accrued sick days for physical and mental health needs
• 2 personal observance days
• 11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (summer and winter)
• Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff)
• 403(b) retirement plan with elective employee contribution; discretionary employer contribution after one year
• Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement
• $45 per pay period for employees using non-English language skills
• Up to 6 months of parental leave
• Organizational and team wellness activities
• Professional development support and opportunities
• Annual payment of required licenses or certifications (e.g., state bar dues) and professional organization dues

Headquarters are centrally located in Koreatown, with easy access to public transportation, diverse dining, and cultural attractions.