Removal Defense Staff Attorney

Removal Defense Staff Attorney

We are looking for a Removal Defense Staff Attorney to join our team in Los Angeles!

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization that advocates for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. AJSOCAL offers free legal help, engages in impact litigation, and advocates for policy change. Our services are open to individuals of all races and ethnicities, without restriction.

AJSOCAL strives to be a champion for the most vulnerable members of the AAPI communities, while advancing civil rights and social justice for everyone.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, and serve our communities all across the country.

We provide supportive services for individuals wanting to start the immigration process through Family-Based Immigration, Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, the Violence Against Women Act, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T-Visa, and U-Visa. We also offer free citizenship workshops and resources to help you on your naturalization journey. Beyond immigration, we also lead community-centered initiatives such as the Asian Language Legal Intake Project (ALLIP), the Survivor and Family Empowerment (SAFE) Project, the Housing Preservation (HP) Program, and our Health Access Project (HAP).

In addition, our Demographic Research Project (DRP) and Community Engagement (CE) teams drive data-informed strategies and grassroots partnerships that deepen our impact across Southern California. Our Impact Litigation Team looks to create systemic change for our communities, while our Policy Team continues to shape laws and local practices that impact millions of Asian American and immigrant families across California.

• The special opportunity to join a mission driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

You share our mission of advocacy for Asian Pacific Americans. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization and its goals.

You are looking for a job where you make a difference, and your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

• J.D. and active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. state
• Driver’s License required as this position requires regular travel to meet with detained individuals, as well as regular in-person immigration court appearances
• Minimum 1 year of removal defense experience
• At least one year of experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma, and/or working with immigrant and refugee children
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic work
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required

Due to the increasing urgency of our Removal Defense representation needs for our clients and communities, we are looking to have this Staff Attorney start ASAP!

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Removal Defense Staff Attorney is responsible for providing high quality, client‑centered representation to individuals facing removal proceedings through zealous direct representation. This position determines eligibility for immigration relief and advises clients, conducts legal research and writing, drafts motions and briefs, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other related legal duties.…