Job Description

Job Location: LA Office - Los Angeles, CA 90017,

Position Type: Full Time,

Salary Range: $75,300.00 - $125,500.00 Salary, We are looking for an Immigration Staff Attorney to join our team in Los Angeles!

Who We Are

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal & civil rights organization that advocates for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals & organizations annually. AJSOCAL offers free legal help, engages in impact litigation, & advocates for policy change. Our services are open to individuals of all races & ethnicities, without restriction. AJSOCAL strives to be a champion for the most vulnerable members of the AAPI communities, while advancing civil rights & social justice for everyone.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in downtown Los Angeles & Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. With our Advancing Justice affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, & Washington, D.C., we enrich, enhance, & 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, & U-Visa. We also offer free citizenship workshops & 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 & Family Empowerment (SAFE) Project, the Housing Preservation (HP) Program, & our Health Access Project (HAP). In addition, our Demographic Research Project (DRP) & Community Engagement (CE) teams drive data-informed strategies & 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 & local practices that impact millions of Asian American & immigrant families across California.

Who You Are

You share our mission of advocacy for AAPIs. You enjoy the thrill of serving the public interest while championing civil rights & social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives & communities in Los Angeles & across the country. You are looking for your next role in an organization that supports your career as much as you support the organization & its goals. You are looking for a job where you make a difference, & your impact is directly proportional to your contribution. You are a game changer. You are a leader. You are an advocate.

Why You'll Love Working at AJSOCAL

At Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work that creates lasting impact for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Southern California.

When you join AJSOCAL, you're not just building a career — you're joining a collaborative team that values professional growth, work-life balance, and community.

Our Benefits & Perks

The benefits outlined below reflect those available to full-time employees (FTEs). Part-time employees (PTEs) also enjoy access to benefits, prorated according to their regularly scheduled hours and subject to applicable eligibility requirements and plan provisions.

Work-Life Balance

• Friday Wellness Hours for eligible employees, providing Friday afternoons to recharge while remaining compensated
• Hybrid work opportunities for eligible positions
• Flexible work schedules
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and 16 paid organizational holidays in addition to 1 floating holiday
• Winter office closure
• Paid parental leave, bereavement leave, and other supportive leave programs
• Sabbatical opportunities for eligible employees

Financial & Everyday Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions (after eligibility requirements are met)
• Technology stipend
• Public transportation reimbursement
• Bilingual/Biliterate stipend for qualifying positions
• Gated parking lot

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (base plan fully covered for employee)
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Supplement term life insurance for yourself and loved ones (spouse and/or dependents)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness programming designed to support your physical and mental well-being

Invest in Your Growth

• Professional development funding upon approval
• Conferences, trainings, and continuing education opportunities
• Professional membership covered upon approval
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities

A Workplace You'll Enjoy

• Inclusive, collaborative culture where every voice matters
• Commitment to inclusive workplace culture and belonging
• Opportunities to build meaningful relationships with colleagues across programs and departments

Meaningful Work

• Make a tangible difference through mission-driven work that advances civil rights, equity, and justice
• Collaborate with passionate colleagues who care deeply about the communities we serve

What You Bring

• J.D. and active membership in California State Bar
• Minimum one (1) year of immigration experience, preferably with removal proceeding experience and experience working with refugees, victims of domestic violence, crimes, and trafficking.
• Experience assisting immigrant, limited English speaking and/or low-income clients
• Experience appearing in immigration court preferred
• Experience or familiarity with AAPI community preferred
• Excellent legal writing, speaking, and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Availability and willingness to regularly travel within the county and state
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Access to reliable means of transportation required
• Ability to travel as needed to attend various functions and meetings
• Bilingual / biliterate in at least one Asian language (Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, or Vietnamese) strongly preferred
• Demonstrated sincere commitment to social justice and serving on behalf of low-income, immigrant communities, AANPHI or non-profit environments preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience with individuals for whom English is a second language (ESL) is preferred
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong computer and database skills with familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite products preferred
• Experience with Canva, social media, or other communications platforms preferred
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends

Qualifications: About the Role

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Staff Attorney is responsible for performing client counseling and representation duties. The Staff Attorney meets with and advises clients of immigrant legal rights and issues, conducts legal research and writing, prepares court forms, prepares immigration applications, and performs other legal duties. The Staff Attorney works directly on complex immigration cases, with a current emphasis on relief for survivors (VAWA, U & T Visas), Asylum (Affirmative & Defensive), Adjustment of Status, Family Based Petitions, DACA, and Removal Defense. The Staff Attorney represents clients before USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Staff Attorney provides technical support and capacity building to other nonprofit organizations on immigration, and staff evening and weekend workshops. In addition, the Staff Attorney conducts immigration trainings, community outreach and education to local organizations and other partners. The position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

75% Client support and representation for various types of immigration cases

• Provide consults and direct legal representation in complex immigration cases filed affirmatively before USCIS field offices and Asylum offices
• Provide consults and legal representation for removal defense at EOIR
• Prepare court forms, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients
• Maintain an active caseload to meet project deliverables
• Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance

15% Community Outreach & Education

• Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests
• Conduct outreach engagements with local community-based organizations and adult education centers to present information sessions on Naturalization and Immigration law

10% Immigration & Citizenship Legal Clinic Support

• Provide consults, legal support and review at weekly clinics at onsite and remote locations
• Help train and oversee work of volunteers at workshops and clinics
• Work closely with the Immigration Director to help plan and strategize culturally competent service models to address relevant immigration needs
• Aid in operational elements of clinic including preparation, setup, and break down
• Other duties as assigned

All positions are subject to funding, and non-collective bargaining unit positions are also at will.

AJSOCAL participates in the federal E-Verify program. Newly hired employees will be required to complete Form I-9 and be verified through E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. Participation in E-Verify is conducted in accordance with federal law and applicable employment regulations.

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact us at HR@ajsocal.org.