Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto: Staff or Senior Attorney Fellow, Immigration Program

Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto is offering a two-year Attorney Fellowship in their Immigration Program. The fellowship focuses on providing legal advice and representation in various immigration matters, including cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration Courts. Responsibilities include managing a diverse caseload, participating in clinics, engaging in policy advocacy, and maintaining relationships with community partners. The role emphasizes the importance of staying updated on immigration law and procedures.

About Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto

Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by community leaders engaged in the social justice movement. Our mission is to provide transformative legal services that enable diverse communities in East Palo Alto and beyond to achieve a secure and thriving future. We serve low-income and workingclass populations, predominantly communities of color, in the areas of immigration, housing, employment, and reentry law. We maximize our impact by coupling direct services with community education, technical assistance, and policy advocacy.

Qualifications

  • California Bar membership, pending Bar passage results or Provisionally Licensed Attorney status

  • Fluency in Spanish

  • Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income populations and communities of color

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues

  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others, both within the organization and in the community.

Responsibilities

  • Provide legal advice and representation in immigration matters before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, state courts to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status findings, and potentially Circuit or District Courts

  • Provide legal advice and counsel on immigration issues, including participating in clinics (occasionally taking place during evenings or weekends) and assisting with emergency cases;

  • manage a diverse caseload, which requires diligent and accurate recordkeeping and file management due to the long-term nature of immigration cases

  • Participate in policy advocacy efforts and community outreach events and presentations

  • Maintain and establish relationships with community partners and immigration service providers

  • Stay informed and up to date with immigration law and procedural updates

COmpensation and Benefits

  • Staff Attorney Fellow: $78,000-$86,000 • Senior Attorney Fellow (at least three years’ relevant experience): $88,000-$110,000

  • In addition to a competitive compensation package, we offer competitive benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, a Health Reimbursement Account for mental health, 15 paid holidays, generous PTO and a 403(b).

  • To promote and support financial wellness, CLSEPA pays state bar dues, and malpractice insurance. This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

To Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by submitting a resume, cover letter, writing sample and 3 professional references using this link or email jobs@clsepa.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Cover Letter Prompt: Feel free to think broadly about your response to the following question (applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences): How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to cultural humility and diversity amongst our staff?