Associate Attorney needed for San Diego office

Associate Attorney

Job Overview: A law firm seeks a dedicated, experienced Associate Attorney to join their team. This position requires a strong background in immigration law and a commitment to providing compassionate, trauma-informed client care. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of a Partner Attorney, handling a variety of immigration cases, and will represent clients in court and at USCIS interviews.

Duties:

• Prepare immigration applications, supporting documentation, and legal briefs, including:
  • Immigrant visa petitions
  • Naturalization applications
  • U and T visa applications
  • Asylum applications
  • Humanitarian parole
  • Applications for VAWA and vulnerable populations
• Monitor client cases and resolve complex legal issues
• Provide legal advice to firm clients
• Evaluate potential clients to determine eligibility for immigration benefits
• Communicate with clients (via e-mail, phone, or mail) to resolve concerns and inquiries
• Prepare clients for interviews and court appearances
• Provide direct legal representation and orientation to clients at:
  • San Diego Otay Mesa Immigration Court
  • San Diego Immigration Court
  • Otay Mesa Detention Center
• Represent clients at USCIS interviews in San Diego and other locations, including the Los Angeles Asylum Office
• Instruct and coordinate with clients to gather required information and documentation
• Coordinate with the Supervising Attorney to implement case processing plans
• Assist the Supervising Attorney with legal research
• Maintain case files client documentation, and enter case information into web-based case management systems
• Observe ethical practices related to client confidentiality and applicable legal ethical standards
• Maintain legal competency related to immigration law
• Participate and contribute to firm meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree or Master of Law (LLM) degree from an ABA-Accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in CA or a U.S. state or territory
• 3-5 years of experience working as an Attorney in immigration law
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English

Skills:

• Experience in Immigration Law: family-based, vulnerable population, and removal defense
• Ability to provide compassionate and trauma-informed client care
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google
• Strong verbal, written, advocacy, and communication skills

Job Location:

• San Diego, CA