Supervising Staff Attorney & Associate Director

HABEAS INSTITUTE SUPERVISING STAFF ATTORNEY & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Classification: Level 5/ Class 6250/ Exempt / Full-Time / Benefited /Non-represented

Hiring Salary: $115,000 - $120,000

Term: One-year term, with the initial appointment and any subsequent renewal contingent upon the availability of funding.

Location: San Francisco, California (On-site role)

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

UC Law SF’s Criminal Justice Center has created a Habeas Institute to litigate pro bono immigration habeas cases in federal district court. The Institute serves as a center for litigation and research related to this important practice area. The role of the Supervising Staff Attorney and Associate Director is primarily to litigate habeas cases in the Northern District of California as part of the Bay Area Habeas Network (“BAHN”).

In 2026, the Habeas Institute joined BAHN, a coalition of non-profits who challenge unlawful ICE arrests by filing petitions for writs of habeas corpus in federal court. BAHN attorneys are on call daily to screen and potentially file rapid habeas petitions for people arrested by ICE in the Bay Area. Within a couple of months of launching, BAHN has secured the immediate release of nearly 30 people who are now home with their families.

The Supervising Attorney’s primary duty will be to staff weekly on-call shifts for BAHN and file same-day habeas petitions and motions for temporary restraining orders in the Northern District of California for people who qualify. The attorney will work closely with regional rapid response networks to identify and screen people arrested by ICE. The attorney will also represent people in limited scope of immigration matters, such as motions to reopen and pre-deprivation bond hearings. These important litigation roles will often involve the work of law students from the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at UC Law SF, and the ideal candidate will show an interest both in litigating habeas cases and in teaching the next generation of lawyers about this litigation. This job is a unique opportunity to become part of an exciting new initiative that is redefining how the legal community holds ICE accountable.

Representative duties include but are not limited to the following:

Litigation

• Serve one designated day per week as the on-call attorney assigned to file same-day habeas petitions and motions for temporary restraining orders for individuals arrested by ICE in the Bay Area and referred to the BAHN.
• Serve as backup coverage and respond to surges for BAHN.
• In collaboration with partners, develop new legal theories that expand the availability of habeas relief for people unlawfully detained by ICE.
• File other types of immigration cases in federal court as part of a coordinated strategy to bring more judicial review to unlawful agency action.
• Participate in all BAHN activities, such as trainings and meetings.
• Represent people in limited scope immigration matters, such as motions to reopen and pre-deprivation hearings.
• Support the work of coalition partners in impact litigation.
• Meet regularly with Habeas Institute faculty and students.
• Represent the Habeas Institute at meetings and public events and in the media.
• Work some nights and weekends.

Education, Training, Student Mentorship, and Research

• Assist with hosting habeas conferences and events.
• Work collaboratively with students enrolled in the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic on active habeas matters, including supervising their case work and providing substantive feedback on their writing and litigation strategy.
• Mentor pro bono practitioners who are handling immigration habeas cases, including through case consultations, trainings, and model filings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

Membership in good standing of the State Bar of California.

• 3+ years of experience representing people in immigration matters or 3+ years of federal litigation.
• Prior experience in federal court preferred.
• Interest in developing new legal theories and expanding caselaw.
• Highly collaborative.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to work under time constraints.
• Genuine desire to work with, teach, and supervise law students.
• Strong commitment to integrity

BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

For your Work/Life Balance

• Fifteen paid holidays per year
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Commuter Benefits Program

THE HIRING PROCESS

Appointment contracts are on the academic calendar. Annual renewal is subject to funding and performance.

This position has been designated as “sensitive” and requires a pre-employment background check.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Depending on the quality and number of applications received, only the better qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. The position is open until filled.

UC Law SF is an equal opportunity employer. UC Law SF strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Law SF is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.