Immigration Law Staff Attorney 

SALARY
$70,000 - $75,000 Annually, Full-time Exempt 

BENEFITS
Health (partial payment), Dental, and Vision. Generous vacation and holiday allowances.

LOCATION
Los Angeles and Pasadena Sites (West San Gabriel Valley)

START DATE
Immediately available

SUMMARY

Peace Over Violence is seeking an immigration law staff attorney that has a demonstrated interest in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The ideal candidate will work well in a team environment with other attorneys, paralegals and advocate staff, and employ a holistic approach to legal services: one which values client empowerment, provides trauma informed care, support and resources via 24-hour hotline, follow up, and advocacy. The attorney will primarily focus on immigration law issues, but the practice will extend to public benefits, advocacy with law enforcement, training, and community engagement.  

The attorney will work with other attorneys and advocate staff. The attorney will be responsible for providing direct immigration legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes. Duties include: conducting client intake, case assessment, and ongoing case management; researching and drafting legal documents and attending court hearings. The attorney will work collaboratively with social service and law enforcement agencies. The attorney will primarily work with providing relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U visa, and naturalization. The attorney may supervise law students and other volunteers. The attorney is expected to work under direct supervision of the Managing Attorney. 

DUTIES

  • Devise and implement policy to ensure efficient and successful management of legal services under the supervision of the Managing Attorney

  • Conduct initial screening, legal intakes, and assessment of clients’ legal needs

  • Provide crisis counseling, support, and resources to clients, in person or via the 24-hour hotline, follow up and advocacy

  • Represent clients in their applications for U nonimmigrant status, VAWA Self-Petitions, and other domestic violence-based immigration remedies

  • Staff legal clinics to clients on selected topics

  • Provide guidance to clients in understanding the legal system and preparation for interviews with USCIS

  • Assist clients, volunteer attorneys, and other legal services staff in drafting and filing applications for immigration relief

  • Provide advocacy and follow up with law enforcement and USCIS, when necessary

  • Help clients with safety planning, resources and referrals when appropriate

  • Comply with all confidentiality requirements and other duties as assigned by the Managing Attorney

  • Other duties as required by the grants and assigned by the Managing Attorney

  • Staff speaking engagements, trainings, and information tables as requested on sexual assault, domestic violence, legal issues and/or POV services

  • Represent Peace Over Violence to the public and media, when necessary

  • Prepare and file immigration petitions, applications, statements, declaration and support documentation

  • Ensure all materials meet deadlines and procedural standards for immigration cases; maintain ongoing communication with clients and partner agencies, providing case updates and addressing inquiries 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Juris Doctor degree required

  • Bar admission, California bar required

  • Minimum 1-2 years of immigration law practice required, with some experience in SIJS and guardianship/probate court 

  • Spanish language fluency required

  • A demonstrated interest in low-income legal services and/or a commitment to immigrants' rights

  • Flexible Schedule to fit varying shifts; capacity to work some weekends and/or evenings

  • Some travel may be required

  • Demonstrated knowledge of crisis intervention, domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, stalking, elder abuse intervention, experience in Crisis Counseling 

  • Active and in good standing with the California State Bar

  • Complete Peace Over Violence’s 82-hour counselor/advocate training or its equivalent

  • Ability to establish effective working relationships with criminal justice and social service agencies members

  • Ability to work with clients, volunteers, and staff in non-judgmental manner

  • Ability to relate in an empathetic, supportive, on-judgmental manner to victims and their families

  • Demonstrate initiative and professionalism; ability to work independently & maintain workload.

  • Strong & effective oral & written communication skills; public speaking, facilitating group discussions.

  • Ability to work well with a diverse group of people, comfortable with L.A. & Pasadena communities.

  • Capacity to balance and provide self-care while meeting the demands of a crisis center 

 

Applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to Lizeth Castillo, Managing Attorney at
lizeth@peaceoverviolence.org

No phone calls, please

Peace Over Violence encourages applicants from a diverse pool of candidates including candidates of color, candidates with disabilities, candidates who identify with the LGBTQ community and others.