JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

MANAGING ATTORNEY FOR IMMIGRATION NONPROFIT (emphasis on unaccompanied children services)

Sacramento or Fresno

About Community Justice Alliance:

Community Justice Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal services organization that views immigrant rights work as a central part of the racial justice movement. We are a team of pro bono attorneys, healers, and mentors looking to link legal services to social services in
California’s Central Valley. Our offices are located in Sacramento and Fresno, and we encourage a mindful work-life integration that permits hybrid or remote work where feasible. We are a supportive, growth-mindset oriented team focused on creating the best quality wraparound services for our clients.

Our attorneys provide full scope legal services, including, but not limited to: state court representation to obtain SIJS predicate orders for youth clients, advocacy with ICE relating to custody determinations, and relief before USCIS and/or EOIR. We are an interdisciplinary team and our social services team has substantially invested in developing novel systems of support with an emphasis on youth mentorship and power-building with our clients.

We care deeply in cultivating a new kind of representation that centers the client’s vision of success, wellness, and belonging.

Position Summary:

CJA seeks a Staff Attorney to support the launch of an innovative program connecting unaccompanied undocumented minors (“UUMs”) with in-house wraparound legal and social services. The ideal candidate has at least a year of immigration law experience, an ability to adapt and remain innovative, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work across broad and diverse thought teams. The direct team will include a lead Managing Attorney, a Staff Attorney, and two Social Workers to serve a caseload of unaccompanied minors before state courts, Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR/ “Immigration Court”), USCIS, ICE, and occasionally other immigration agencies.

Essential Functions:

• Provide limited direct legal representation to clients in removal proceedings before immigration agencies and the immigration court, focusing most energy on effectively managing junior attorneys and optimizing our firm's practice.
• Participate in local stakeholder meetings to strategize regional support of our clients.
• Provide data and contribute to reports, ensuring quality control and data through regular case audits.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Advanced fluency in Spanish language strongly preferred
• J.D., post-bar and preferably admitted to CA state bar
• At least 5 years of experience practicing immigration law, which should include representation of clients in humanitarian immigration claims such as asylum, Special
• Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, and/or working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Demonstrated experience managing a team, encouraging a growth mindset and with the ability to work with a range of personalities.
• Strong record of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Willing and able to travel as needed for client meetings and court appearances.

Salary will be based on experience (see posted range).

Benefits:

• Generous PTO and flexible work hours
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) retirement account with employer match
• Eligible for public service loan forgiveness

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule, but the ideal candidate will meet with junior attorney staff at least twice a week in person and attend court appearances as needed.

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To apply, send a cover letter and résumé to admin at cjaca dot org. Interviews will be scheduled and held on a rolling basis. We look forward to meeting you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Bar License (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sacramento, CA 95811