Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley + California ChangeLawyers Year-Long Legal Fellow
Monrovia, CA
Fellowship Period: 9 week fellowship to begin at hire
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Opening: Legal Fellow
Salary: $10,000
About the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley (IRCSGV)
The IRCSGV, an extension of Mountainside Communion – A Church of the Nazarene, is a public interest nonprofit organization that supports the immigrant population in San Gabriel Valley by providing quality low-cost immigration legal and referral services that consider the needs of the whole person. These services offer an affordable way for local immigrants to naturalize or receive legal status and contribute to the ability of individuals to provide for themselves and their families. IRCSGV believes that our immigrant neighbors deserve full inclusion into our community.
We assist the immigrant community by representing clients before US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and filing applications for affirmative immigration benefits. Our services focus on three main areas: 1) Naturalization services for permanent residents 2) Family-based benefits for mixed-status families 3) Survivor-based benefits for survivors of domestic violence or other forms of serious crimes. In addition, we assist immigrants in obtaining other forms of temporary status, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). To support our mission of providing accessible legal services, IRCSGV also focuses on developing strong community partnerships by performing outreach to local elected officials, schools, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits that serve the same population. We also provide Know Your Rights presentations and workshops for DACA, naturalization, and general immigration consultations.
For more information, please visit www.ircsgv.org.
About the California ChangeLawyers® Legal Fellowship Program
About the California ChangeLawyers® Legal Fellowship Program California ChangeLawyers® (formerly California Bar Foundation) is a statewide foundation that empowers the next generation of lawyers, judges, and activists to create a more diverse legal profession, a fair justice system, and a better California. The foundation believes that a state as diverse as California should have a justice system led by advocates of all ethnicities and races.
ChangeLawyer Fellows are provided exclusive access to webinars, seminars, job opportunities, and other career advancement opportunities. More specifically, each cohort will have collective access to career coaching and networking opportunities- providing access to ChangeLawyers board members and the almost 1,000 ChangeLawyers alumni that include fellows, scholars, and grantees.
Position Description
With support from California ChangeLawyers®, we seek to hire a year-long legal fellow to provide direct legal support to the immigrant community. The legal fellow will provide assistance across all of our main service areas. The legal fellow will assist survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes, primarily by filing U Visa, T Visa, and VAWA applications. The legal fellow will also assist with family-based benefit applications, naturalization, TPS, DACA, FOIA requests, and other affirmative benefits that may emerge through future legislation. The scope of work ranges from implementing direct legal services, supervision of volunteers and interns, and strengthening program effectiveness.
The California ChangeLawyers program will provide mentorship and networking opportunities, allowing the fellow to connect with public interest-minded alumni working across a broad spectrum of practice areas.
Specific Responsibilities
Program Services
The Legal Fellow will provide direct legal services to IRCSGV Service Participants, which include:
Providing legal counseling to clients on immigration options and performing ongoing case management.
Representing clients before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State through affirmative applications for immigration benefits.
Researching and drafting legal documents.
Attending interviews at local field offices.
Promote and implement program policies and procedures and established case management systems.
Ensure that all assigned legal services are provided in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local regulatory requirements, and IRCSGV Policies and Procedures.
Along with other legal services staff, assist with the development and organization of program and case management documents and systems.
In collaboration with other legal services staff, train and supervise legal volunteers and interns.
Other Responsibilities, as needed:
Effectively represent IRCSGV at community functions and at other events as requested or needed - presenting on immigration law and benefits available to the non-U.S. Citizen population.
Assist with community clinics and workshops, as needed.
Assist with marketing and fund development efforts, as needed.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal Services.
Qualifications and Skills
JD degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in any state, or provisionally licensed attorney. Applicants may also be awaiting bar exam results.
Spanish language fluency required.
Experience practicing immigration law, particularly with U/T Visa or VAWA filings preferred.
Ability to work effectively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Ability to work effectively and communicate with law enforcement, representatives of government, and English/Spanish media.
A passion for and an enthusiasm to contribute to the mission and vision of the IRCSGV.
High level of intercultural competency and experience.
Sensitivity to and experience with under-resourced immigrant populations. An ability to convey concern and establish a trusting, caring relationship with service participants by way of active listening and supportive communication.
Proven interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, as well as coordinate and communicate openly as a member of a team.
Proficiency using various technology platforms, including immigration forms software, MS Office, Google Apps, and Internet research.
Comparable experience in non-profit setting.
Eagerness to keep up to date with immigration law changes and immigration news.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Valid Driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage.
Applications can be sent to jfung@ircsgv.org. Please include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley
303 W. Colorado Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016
www.ircsgv.org | 626.509.9472
A non-profit organization - an extension of Mountainside Communion | EIN# 32-0267512
Recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ)