Supervising Immigration Attorney, Higher Education Legal Services

About the role

Jewish Family Service of San Diego seeks a Supervising Immigration Attorney to lead its Higher Education Legal Services program. The position oversees attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives while providing immigration representation before USCIS, EOIR, and Immigration Court. The role supports the mission of a mission-driven nonprofit serving immigrant and refugee communities throughout Southern California.

Responsibilities

• Direct Legal Representation: Provide high-quality immigration legal services to JFS-ILSD clients, including representation before DHS agencies (USCIS, CBP, Border Patrol, and ICE), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and related federal and state courts. Support the broader work of the JFS-ILSD team while maintaining the program's strong record of effective legal advocacy.

• Supervision and Oversight: Supervise and review the work of HELS attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and support staff who provide direct assistance and legal representation in both defensive and affirmative immigration matters, including appeals.

• Policy and Procedure Development: Collaborate with program leadership to develop procedures, protocols, and guidance that advance the JFS-ILSD mission and safeguard Higher Education Legal Services from legal malpractice.

• Education and Community Engagement: Design, oversee, and deliver accurate legal orientations, presentations, and educational materials on a wide range of immigration and rights-related issues faced by low-income immigrant communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

• Institutional Relationship Management: Maintain effective professional relationships with participating higher education institutions, supporting students, faculty, staff, and their family members who access Higher Education Legal Services.

• Legal Research and Updates: Stay current on rapidly changing immigration laws, regulations, and policies, and ensure that all program staff are regularly briefed and operating with the most up-to-date legal information.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure accurate legal analysis and appropriate legal strategies in all matters involving complex questions of law, eligibility for relief, and decisions to decline services.

• Compliance and Reporting: Adhere to and enforce JFS-ILSD and agency-wide policies, including case management, data management, and reporting requirements. Ensure staff compliance with all internal procedures.

• Grant Support: Participate in program reporting and contribute to the timely and accurate preparation of grant applications and funding renewals.

• Team Leadership: Foster a collaborative, supportive, and positive team environment both within the program and across partner agencies.

Requirements

• Law graduate

• Licensed to practice law in California preferred, but we will consider candidates with license to practice law in one of the 50 U.S. states.

• More than 4 years of experience practicing immigration law.

• More than 2 years of experience in a supervisory role.

• Excellent interpersonal abilities, including strong communication, active listening, attention to detail, and a consistently professional demeanor.

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, demonstrating effective communication, attentive listening, and professionalism in guiding and supporting staff.

• Proven skills in case management, legal research, and legal writing.

• Demonstrated capacity and eagerness to pursue innovative, evolving, or untested legal theories when appropriate.

• Ability to take initiative, manage competing demands, and perform effectively under pressure.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

• A strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities.

• Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma.

• A sincere and demonstrated commitment to serving low-income immigrant communities.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to travel locally within San Diego and Imperial Counties.

• Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, walking, using hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, handling documents, reaching for the telephone or other office equipment.

Qualifications

• Must have a law degree.

• Must be licensed to practice law in California or another U.S. state.

• At least 4 years of experience practicing immigration law.

• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role.

• Must have excellent interpersonal abilities, including strong communication, active listening, attention to detail, and a consistently professional demeanor.

• Must have strong supervisory and leadership skills, demonstrating effective communication, attentive listening, and professionalism in guiding and supporting staff.

• Must have proven skills in case management, legal research, and legal writing.

• Must have demonstrated capacity and eagerness to pursue innovative, evolving, or untested legal theories when appropriate.

• Must have the ability to take initiative, manage competing demands, and perform effectively under pressure.

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

• Must have a strong passion for social justice and advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities.

• Must have experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma.

• Must have a sincere and demonstrated commitment to serving low-income immigrant communities.

Benefits

Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
Generous employer 401(k) contributions
Employer-covered life insurance
Time Away from Work: Paid vacation time and sick leave
15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Pay

$88,000-$94,000/year Total Compensation: In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes: