CARECEN, the largest Central American immigrant rights organization, serving immigrants from around the world, is seeking a bilingual staff attorney with 2+ years of experience in immigration law to join our Deportation Defense Unit in our downtown LA office.

There is also a position available in our San Bernardino office.

CARECEN empowers Central Americans and all immigrants by defending human and civil rights, working for social and economic justice, and promoting cultural diversity. We envision Los Angeles becoming a place where Central Americans and all other communities live in peace and dignity, enjoying economic well-being, social justice, and political empowerment.

For more than three decades, CARECEN has been pivotal in providing immigrant integration programs, delivering immigration legal services, fostering civic participation and community engagement on immigration policy, education reform and workers’ rights.

With competitive salaries starting at $78,500 (2+ years of experience) to a hybrid work schedule and generous employee benefits, CARECEN values dedication and provides support to our team as they carry out important, mission-based representation in our communities. With strong and dedicated leadership, we offer a collaborative workspace that is committed to our values while providing mentorship and growth.

CARECEN offers a generous benefits package which includes the following:

vacation days
sick and personal days
13 holidays
paid birthday holiday
paid winter break
a health insurance package that has medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
403(b) retirement savings plan
Additional benefits include yoga and entertainment and travel discounts.

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Exempt

Salary: Starting at $78,500 annual salary for at least two years of experience and qualifications

Department: Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit

Reports to: Managing Attorney and/or Supervising Attorney

Location: Hybrid – Remote and In Person (Los Angeles Office or San Bernardino Office)

Job Summary: The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal services to children, adults, and families in removal proceedings in the greater Los Angeles area. This includes representation in various applications for relief from removal, as well as representation in state court.

Job Requirements/Essential Functions

Provide legal representation to children, adults, and families in removal proceedings before the Los Angeles, Van Nuys and Santa Ana Immigration Courts, USCIS, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. For children's cases, represent clients in state court to secure predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. For detained cases, represent clients in custody proceedings to advocate for their release from detention.
Operate under the supervision of the managing attorney and/or supervising attorney, managing all aspects of client cases.
Facilitate referrals to medical, mental health, and educational services for clients as needed.
Ensure compliance with data reporting and program requirements.
Oversee the work of assigned paralegal and their tasks.
Perform additional duties as directed by the supervisor.

Required Skills/Qualifications

Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in California.
Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish, subject to testing at time of interview.
Experience in immigration law preferred.
Demonstrated abilities in case management, legal research, writing, and oral communication.
Capacity to manage a time-intensive caseload with multiple deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently.
Skills in working effectively with diverse populations, including individuals from various cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds, as well as clients with histories of severe trauma and criminal records.
Strong commitment to the rights of immigrants and the mission of CARECEN.
Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.

Classification and Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexibility required based on the needs of the organization. The normal workweek for this position is 35 hours, but a greater emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position. This position is part of the bargaining unit with contract annual pay increases.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position is based in a professional office setting and involves tasks such as lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing as needed. Work may be conducted in various locations, including CARECEN's offices, work from home, and various government facilities.

Travel Requirements

This position is located at CARECEN's Los Angeles office (or the San Bernardino office) and requires occasional travel to other offices. Additionally, travel to immigration courts and DHS offices in Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Santa Ana, Adelanto, San Bernardino, and/or state courts throughout the Southern California region will be required. Travel may constitute up to 50% of the role's responsibilities. Mileage reimbursement is provided. Ability to drive with a valid California driver’s license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.

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Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) jobs

Staff Attorney Deportation Defense