Associate Attorney

Vargas Law Firm • Full-time • West Covina, California, United States • $100k - $130k / year • 17h ago

About Us:
Vargas Law Firm is a compassionate, mission-focused boutique law firm dedicated to keeping families together, protecting the vulnerable, and fighting for justice. We advocate for immigrants seeking safety, opportunity, and a brighter future in the United States. Our team thrives in a collaborative, supportive environment where integrity, excellence, and real impact matter most. If you’re passionate about immigrant rights and ready to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, we’d love to have you join us.

Responsibilities:

Detained Clients: Conduct in-person detention center visits, perform thorough case evaluations, develop strategic defenses, and zealously advocate in bond and removal proceedings to secure release and prevent deportation.
Immigration Court (EOIR): Represent clients in merits hearings for asylum, cancellation of removal, withholding of removal, CAT, and other relief; prepare motions, briefs, and appeals; conduct witness prep, evidence presentation, and effective direct/cross-examination.
USCIS Matters: Prepare clients for interviews, draft and submit accurate petitions/applications (family-based, humanitarian, adjustment of status, etc.), compile strong supporting evidence, and maintain clear, proactive client communication.
SIJS Representation: Appear in California Family and Probate Courts to obtain juvenile court findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases involving abused, neglected, or abandoned minors.
General: Perform in-depth legal research, draft high-quality pleadings and briefs, supervise/support paralegals and staff, manage caseloads efficiently under tight deadlines, and provide compassionate, accessible guidance to clients throughout their journey.
Any other responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in Immigration Court (California Bar membership preferred).
3 years of proven experience in immigration law preferred.
Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred but not required.
Exceptional legal research and writing skills, with the ability to draft persuasive motions, briefs, and appeals.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining complex legal concepts to clients and advocating effectively before government agencies.
Strong analytical skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases under tight deadlines.
Salary dependent on experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits: