Removal Defense Counselor

About Us

The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to welcoming, educating, and serving immigrants, refugees, and their families as they join and contribute to the community. Founded in 1918, IIBA provides immigration legal services, English and civic education, and other services throughout the Bay Area.

IIBA's mission is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. We are committed to equity and believe deeply in the value of diversity of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the wonderful characteristics that make us human.

Job Description

This position supports IIBA's mission by providing quality immigration-specific legal service, advice, and representation in support of low-income residents in removal proceedings. The staff attorney must be comfortable working with minimal supervision and have advanced legal research and writing skills.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of immigration law, preferably representing clients in removal proceedings, and be able to handle a high volume of cases. They should also be comfortable working with diverse populations and have excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel on immigration issues to low-income residents in removal proceedings
• Represent clients in bond, master calendar, and individual hearings in Immigration Court and occasionally before the Board of Immigration Appeals when filing appeals
• When applicable to a removal case, represent clients in applications filed with USCIS, such as U Visas, I-130, and I-601A waiver petitions
• Responsible for workshops, clinics, outreach activities, and information sessions on topics related to removal defense for immigrants

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-certified law school or international equivalent
• A current Bar Membership in good standing
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in immigration law, preferably representing clients in removal proceedings
• Ability to act independently and identify resources to assist in preparing cases
• Advanced legal research and writing skills
• Dedicated to providing high-quality legal assistance and capable of handling complex legal issues on behalf of low-income immigrant populations
• Bilingual - English and Spanish fluency required