VIDAS DESCRIPTION
VIDAS provides trauma-informed immigrant legal services and community wellness programs in California’s north bay area. Centered in justice, healing, and building community power, we offer a full range of direct immigration legal representation, with specializations in removal defense, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, DACA, U visas, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, and DALE.
Together and as members of broader regional and national coalitions, we are protecting due process, fundamental human rights, and dignity for all. Our team includes people from across the globe with unique lived and professional experiences. We offer a genuinely connected and supportive atmosphere that embraces and celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We acknowledge that not everyone will meet all the of the eligibility requirements. Please apply if our mission resonates with you.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
VIDAS seeks a bilingual (Spanish-English or Haitian Creole-English preferred) Attorney to work within Sonoma, Solano or surrounding counties to represent immigrants in removal proceedings and filing affirmative applications for relief. VIDAS will also consider some portion of hybrid/telework.
The Staff Attorney will report to the Supervising Attorney and will be expected to:
- Provide legal advice and counsel on immigration issues, including participating in immigration clinics and assisting with emergency cases;
- Provide direct representation to non-detained and detained immigrants in master and individual hearings in San Francisco, Concord, and possibly Sacramento;
- Engage in client-centered, thoughtful, communicative advocacy, including responding to clients quickly and being engaged and available throughout the process;
- Prepare motions, applications, briefs and exhibits of evidence for advocacy before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office, and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services;
- Develop and present training/guidance materials on immigration law issues affecting immigrants and their families for Know Your Rights and other community education opportunities;
- Provide hands-on mentorship to VIDAS paralegal staff, equipping them to work effectively in preparing applications, declarations, and other documents needed for representation;
- Assist in oversight of progress on objectives and deliverables for grant reporting, process mapping, and tracking data and outcomes;
- Facilitate cross-referrals with social services, mental health and medical providers;
- Support leadership with project management tasks, including reporting, visioning/planning, and funder & media relations.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Member in good standing of the California (or possibly other state) bar (postgraduate awaiting bar results considered);
- 1 to 3 years of experience practicing immigration law, which should include at least 6 months of representation of clients in removal proceedings, including bond, master and individual hearings;
- A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
- Ability to speak, comprehend, read and write in Spanish or Haitian Creole;
Salary
Salary range is $82,000 to $92,000 for full-time. Benefits include full medical coverage (Kaiser Gold), 401K matching, 13 paid holidays, generous paid time off and sick leave allowances, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mentorship, a supportive team culture that genuinely prioritizes health & well-being, ongoing training, and career development opportunities.
To Apply
- Applications, including a cover letter and resume, should be emailed to our Executive Director, Monica Julian, at mjulian@vidaslegal.org.
- Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified.
- VIDAS is an EOE committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in both its staff and work. The selected applicant will be asked to undergo a background check before acceptance of the final offer.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $82,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Commute:
- Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Santa Rosa, CA 95401: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Rosa, CA 95401
