Immigration Attorney

Job Title:  Immigration Attorney
Reports to: Director of Immigration Services
Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location:  San Jose, CA; 100% on-site

Overview of Position: 

Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment (Amigos) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Immigration Attorney to  join our immigration legal services team, ensuring high-quality representation for clients facing deportation, seeking asylum, or navigating the family-based or humanitarian immigration system. The ideal candidate will provide legal , and case management support to the most vulnerable community,  team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal advocates.

The position has responsibility for providing accurate and comprehensive immigration program management, conducting trainings, and analyzing and applying immigration practice principles to complex questions and fact scenarios. 

Key Responsibilities

Affirmative Immigration Representation

• Independently manage a caseload of affirmative immigration matters, including:
  • Affirmative asylum
  • U visas, T visas, and VAWA self-petitions
  • Family-based petitions and adjustment of status
  • Naturalization and related immigration benefits
• Conduct complex legal analysis and identify appropriate forms of relief
• Prepare and review filings, affidavits, evidence, and legal briefs
• Communicate with USCIS and other government agencies to advance client cases

Removal Defense (Progressive Responsibility)

This position is open to attorneys who are new to removal defense and eager to develop court-based practice skills.  Amigos partners with trusted national and local organizations to provide ongoing technical assistance and practical training for attorneys seeking to build or strengthen removal defense expertise, with the goal of independently handling Immigration Court cases.

• Handle removal defense cases, with increasing independence over time once training is complete 
• Prepare Immigration Court filings, including EOIR-42B and I-589s, motions, and supporting evidence
• Appear at master calendar and individual hearings
• Develop case strategy and relief analysis for clients in removal proceedings
• Provide emergency legal consultations for detained persons as part of the Rapid Response Network

Client & Program Support

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive legal services
• Supervise or mentor junior staff, interns, or accredited representatives, as assigned
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with program and funder requirements
• Participate in legal clinics, community outreach, and program development efforts

Community & Advocacy Work

• Represent the organization in immigration coalitions, task forces, and legal advocacy groups.
• Conduct “Know Your Rights” presentations and community education workshops.
• Advocate for immigrant rights at local, state, and national levels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Member of the California Bar
• Juris doctor degree
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in immigration law, including experience in a non-profit immigration legal services setting
• Experience working with marginalized and immigrant communities
• Ability to manage work on multiple projects effectively and efficiently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong training, content development and public speaking skills
• An uncompromising commitment to immigrants' rights and bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish language skills preferred
• Ability to travel on occasion for trainings, conferences and site visits
• Commitment to social justice and immigrant rights

Other

• Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organization’s mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior

Work Environment

• This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and repetitive lifting of significant weight
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities

Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual Salary Range: $100,000.00 to $110,000.00
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Medical, dental, chiropractic, and vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Generous paid time off  
  • Paid holidays and sick time
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment

Amigos considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Amigos also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.