Removal Defense Immigration Attorney

Job Description

Title: Removal Defense Immigration Attorney

Reports to: Supervising Immigration Attorney

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: San Jose, CA; on-site

Amigos de Guadalupe’s Mission Statement

Inspired by the power of our vibrant, determined community, our vision at Amigos de Guadalupe (“Amigos”) is to bring about transformational change in East San José. At Amigos, we ensure that the basic needs of our community are met, deliver high-quality programs, and mobilize and organize for justice. We do this by providing housing and rental assistance, mental health services, immigration legal services, education programs, and community organizing programs that advocate for systems change.

Overview of Amigos’ Immigration Legal Services Program

Amigos’ Immigration Legal Services Program (“ILS”) provides low-cost legal services to immigrant families in East San José and the entire Santa Clara County. With a focus on humanitarian and family-based cases, our expanding ILS team has historically and primarily provided representation for affirmative matters. Additionally, as a partner agency of Santa Clara County’s Rapid Response Network, Amigos’ attorneys provide critical legal support to noncitizens subjected to immigration enforcement actions.

Overview of Position

From initial consultation through final adjudication of each matter, Amigos’ removal defense attorney will provide high-quality advice and representation to clients in removal proceedings. In this role, the attorney will work to secure relief from removal and advocate for clients’ legal rights in a compassionate and supportive environment. The attorney will also assist in case strategy development, legal research, and advocacy efforts to address systemic challenges within the immigration system. Additionally, as part of the SCC Rapid Response Network, the attorney will provide emergency legal assistance to noncitizens facing imminent removal.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Provide direct legal representation to clients in removal proceedings, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief

Conduct consultations with clients to assess eligibility for relief from removal and develop appropriate legal strategies

Prepare and file necessary legal documents, including motions, briefs, and applications for relief

Represent clients in hearings before EOIR (and USCIS, BIA where necessary)

Provide advice and limited scope representation as an emergency response attorney on behalf of the SCC Rapid Response Network

Maintain confidential and organized case files with appropriate case notes

Collaborate with other attorneys and support staff (paralegals and program assistants) to achieve program objectives

Stay up to date on changes in immigration law and policy and integrate these developments into case strategy, as well as presentations to Amigos staff and community members

Track and report grant deliverables in a timely manner

Conduct community outreach activities and participate in advocacy efforts

Adhere to agency-wide and program-specific protocols and procedures

Participate in staff meetings and trainings, supervisory meetings, and agency-wide events

Perform other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications and Skills

Active member in good standing of the State Bar – California Bar membership is preferred

A minimum of 2 years experience as an immigration attorney – prior removal defense experience is strongly preferred

Knowledge of immigration law and procedures

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Commitment to providing quality legal representation to vulnerable populations

Empathetic and client-centered approach to legal representation

Spanish-language proficiency is required

Work Environment

The ILS team works out of Amigos’ main office in the Mayfair neighborhood in East San José.

Occasional travel may be required for court appearances or emergency response in San Francisco and outreach events in Santa Clara County

Standard work hours are the norm at Amigos, and flex-time may be approved for participation at work events outside of those hours

Compensation and Benefits:

Annual Salary: $90,000

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Medical, Dental, Chiropractic, and Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

Generous Paid Time off

Paid Holidays and Sick Time

401(k) Retirement Plan: Employer Matches up to 4%

Yearly State Bar Dues

AILA Membership Dues

Continuing Legal Education Funding Support

How to Apply

Please send your resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample of a legal document (not to exceed 5 pages) to . All three documents should be sent as a single file. Additionally, somewhere in your cover letter be sure to include the phrase, “Si Se Puede.”

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

Amigos de Guadalupe is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under California law.

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Full-time