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Positions available:

PART-TIME IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEY – FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER

The San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (SDVLP) is a public interest law firm whose mission is to involve the private bar in the delivery of free legal services in civil matters to indigent San Diego County residents. Last year, SDVLP’s volunteer panel of more than 5,000 attorneys, law students and other legal workers provided legal assistance to more than 7,000 indigent clients. Services were directed to our community’s most vulnerable residents, including survivors of domestic violence, abused and neglected children, the homeless and disabled, persons living with HIV, special needs children, older residents who are victims of elder abuse, those deprived of basic civil rights, and other deserving populations who need legal assistance for protection and basic survival.

The Family Justice Center Collaborative is a component of SDVLP. Services are provided in coordination with the City of San Diego, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Police Department and numerous community-based organizations to provide comprehensive legal and social services to domestic violence survivors. A number of the survivors seeking services at the Family Justice Center are in need of immigration assistance and many qualify for lawful permanent resident status under the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The Immigration Staff Attorney is a temporary, part-time position retained on a contract basis. The Immigration Staff Attorney will work in coordination with Center staff and partners in providing legal services to survivors who are eligible to file VAWA and U-Visa petitions. Minimum qualifications include admission to practice law in California, bilingual (Spanish) proficiency, the ability to relate to and advocate for SDVLP’s client community, and an understanding of the objectives and purposes of public interest law. Immigration experience is required. The essential duties of the position are as follows:

• providing direct client services in immigration law, including interviewing clients, determining their eligibility for appropriate relief, and representing clients before the U .S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) and the immigration court as necessary;
• mentoring attorneys and other volunteers;
• performing community outreach and education;
• collaborating with community-based organizations and various federal agencies;
• supervising two legal support staff members.

To apply, send a resume with references to: