Staff Attorney - Immigration

Reports to
FLSA Status
Directing Attorney Full-Time, Exempt (Union position)

Until Filled $71,194 to $110,565

The Immigration Staff Attorney will work with its Family/Immigration Team to support the immigration needs of the CCLS client community. The ideal candidate will have experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy and education in immigration matters.

• Provide direct legal services in immigration matters for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault with a focus on U-Visas, T-Visas, SIJS, VAWA Self-Petitions, and Naturalization;
• Work with CCLS advocates to ensure delivery of high-quality legal representation to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Develop and maintain relationships with client groups and community-based service providers, and work with them to identify community lawyering opportunities;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual and impact casework;
• Participate in or conduct community outreach/education events and legal workshops/clinics;
• Participate in planning and strategy meetings with project partners and local, state, and national networks of Legal Aid advocates;
• Conduct presentations to the community and partner organizations or agencies;
• Foster productive relationships with other CCLS staff, the court, other non-profit organizations, and public agencies;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings, stay informed of changes in the law, including continuing legal education, and adhere to CCLS policies and procedures;
• Maintain a commitment to impact litigation as part of a holistic and collaborative advocacy strategy;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of California; or, eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Aid Attorney Program and California Bar admission pursuant to CCLS policy;
• Experience working with low-income clients, collaborating effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations, and connecting and strategizing with local community leaders;
• Previous Legal Aid or other non-profit, legal services experience desirable;
• Preferred experience providing legal representation, consultation, advocacy, and education in immigration matters and/or to victims of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault helpful;
• Litigation experience in State, Federal and/or Immigration Court, preferably in immigration and domestic violence proceedings;
• Desire to address systemic issues and develop general knowledge of poverty law;
• Bilingual ability strongly preferred in English and at least one other language commonly spoken in the Central Valley;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Comfortable working under pressure, on a team or independently, passionate about the work, inquisitive, and analytical;
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual able to work with colleagues and external partners;
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed;
• Ability to travel as needed and proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used;
• Commitment to CCLS’ mission and core values.

Work/Life Balance

• 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
• Free wellness counseling & resources
• Union protection for applicable positions

Rewards for Dedication

• Annual pay increases
• Overtime for Hourly/Non-exempt staff
• Compensatory Time for Salaried/Exempt staff

More than Base Pay

• School Loan Assistance up to $500/month
• Bilingual Pay up to $90/month
• Home internet reimbursement of $25/month
• CCLS issued laptop & cell phone
• CA State Bar dues paid in full
• Mileage reimbursement

Retirement Contribution

• CCLS contributes to staff 403(b) plans starting at the one-year anniversary:
  • Year 1 to 2 – 1% of salary contributed
  • Year 2 to 3 – 2% of salary contributed
  • Year 3 to 4 – 3% of salary contributed
  • Year 4 to 5 – 4% of salary contributed
  • Year 5+ - 5% of salary contributed

Group Health Insurance

• Coverage begins 1st of the month following hire date
• CCLS pays 100% for staff health insurance coverage
• CCLS pays 67% of staff dependent health insurance coverage
  • Long term disability & life insurance
  • Workers Compensation coverage

Cash Out Options

• Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
• OT paid out within 30 days of accrual, per State standards

Computer Loan Fund

• Up to $1,500 interest free loan to assist staff with personal computer purchase

State Bar Exam Leave & Loan

• Protected leave for CA Bar Exam
• Interest-free loan for Bar Exam & study course fees
• Email:
  Please email application resume and cover letter to the General Counsel, Jonathan Ota, at jota .

Department:
Litigation/Advocacy

Submission Deadline: 3/31/26

Job Location:

Central California Legal Services (Main Branch)