CLSEPA is seeking a Staff or Senior Attorney to join its Immigration Program, which plays a crucial role in keeping families together and fostering economic resilience. The position involves providing legal advice and representation in immigration matters across various platforms, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration Court, while managing a diverse caseload that demands precise recordkeeping. The ideal candidate will possess California Bar membership, fluency in Spanish, and a strong commitment to serving low-income communities and people of color, demonstrating excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with clients and community partners. In addition, participation in policy advocacy and community outreach is key, alongside a commitment to staying updated on immigration law.
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 working- class 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.
As a Senior or Staff Attorney, you will:
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; and
Stay informed and up to date with immigration law and procedural updates.
As a Senior or Staff Attorney, you have:
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; and
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others, both within the organization and in the community.
COmpensation and Benefits
Staff Attorney: $78,000-$86,000
Senior Attorney (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.
Why a cover letter? We want to learn more about why CLSEPA - CLSEPA’s clientele is extremely diverse, and the majority of our clients are low-income persons of color. It is critical that our staff work effectively in all cross-cultural situations, with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community, and that we create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.
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?
