Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County: Immigrants' Rights Attorney
The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (Legal Aid SMC) seeks an attorney who is passionate about immigrants’ rights and economic justice to help low-income families and children apply for immigration relief and access safety net benefits. Our immigration practice focuses on helping survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and other crimes apply for humanitarian relief and protect themselves from deportation.
About Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County:
In 1959, a dedicated group of lawyers and community leaders recognized an unmet need to help the less fortunate in San Mateo County. Thanks to these founders, in a small one-room office, the Legal Aid Society was born. One of the earliest cases involved a Spanish-speaking maid who was not allowed to retrieve her belongings when she resigned. Legal Aid successfully advocated on her behalf and the client was able to recover her possessions.
Since then, the Legal Aid Society has grown to become one of California’s most respected public interest law firms. A vital voice for San Mateo County’s undeserved populations, the organization has received awards for excellence in the delivery of legal services. Continuing to provide quality civil legal services to San Mateo County’s low-income residents. Our advocacy has evolved with the times; we fought for civil rights in the 1960s and fair wages for farmworkers in the 1980s.
Responsibilities
Litigation and Advocacy: Advise and represent low-income San Mateo County residents seeking immigration relief with USCIS and before EOIR, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U Visas, DACA, and VAWA. Participate in Rapid Response rotation to provide consultations to San Mateo County residents at imminent risk of detention or in detention facilities.
Community engagement: With community partners, educate low-income immigrants about their rights, potential immigration remedies, and eligibility for safety net benefits. May include presentations and tabling events during evening and weekends.
Policy Advocacy: Work collaboratively with community groups to advance local and state policies that benefit immigrants and their families.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Active membership in the California State Bar or qualified for Registered Legal Services Attorney Program
Excellent communication skills
Well-organized and detail-oriented
Preferred:
Oral and written fluency in Spanish
Compensation
Full-time exempt position starting at $86,000/year depending on experience. $2,500 stipend for proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by our client community. Excellent benefits including up to $3,600/year law school loan repayment assistance.
Location: The attorney will work in-person at our Redwood City office five days a week and must be able to travel within San Mateo County and to San Francisco and Concord for outreach presentations, immigration interviews, and court appearances.
To Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to jobs@legalaidsmc.org