STAFF ATTORNEY, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & TRAINING

STAFF ATTORNEY, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & TRAINING

Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

 

The University of California Hastings College of the Law was founded in 1878 as the law department of the University of California and was the first law school in California. Over the years, it has built a legacy and reputation of being a preeminent institution comprised of renowned faculty committed to the study of legal theory and research, preparing students for careers in the judicial system, public service, and industry.

 

 

 

The College is redefining legal education through an experiential, interdisciplinary, and international approach to the law. By integrating rigorous academics with hands-on practice, the College is preparing its graduates to tackle the legal challenges—and leverage the opportunities— of the 21st century.

 

 

 

ABOUT THE CENTER

 

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) defends the human rights of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. With strategic focus and unparalleled legal expertise, CGRS champions the most challenging cases, fights for due process, and promotes policies that deliver safety and justice for refugees. We are the trusted partner and proven resource for legal services providers and other and human rights organizations and bring invaluable data and compelling personal stories to shape the public narrative. We use strategic litigation to advance sound asylum laws and protect due process rights. Through policy advocacy and education, we provide critical expertise to policymakers at all levels of government, leading the movement to honor our commitments to refugees and asylum seekers under U.S. and international law. Through technical assistance and training, we empower advocates to take on complex asylum cases, providing them with the tools they need to craft winning arguments and secure protections for their clients. CGRS is committed to building an anti-racist and anti-oppression organization that lives its values internally and externally.

 

 

 

THE ROLE and RESPONSIBILITIES

 

CGRS is seeking a highly motivated individual passionate about refugee rights and attorney professional development as a Staff Attorney for Training & Technical Assistance. The position is based in California and the work includes both national and California-focused matters. The position is a dynamic one that will reflect the vision and flexibility of the organization in the changing landscape of attacks on refugee rights. This position may be remote, but the attorney must reside in California.

 

 

 

The Staff Attorney for Training & Technical Assistance reports directly to the CGRS Director of Training & Technical Assistance. This role will be focused primarily in CGRS’s Training & Technical Assistance program but may be involved with other core program areas as it relates to training, resource development, or mentorship in the representation of asylum seekers.

 

 

 

Working in close collaboration with the Director of Training & Technical Assistance, the Staff Attorney for Training & Technical Assistance will be responsible for the following:

 

 

 

• Design trainings and develop resources for dissemination through CGRS’s technical assistance program. Conduct in-person trainings, webinars, and other presentations for attorneys and other advocates. Research and write on key legal issues, including practice advisories and training materials. Respond to attorney requests for technical assistance at all levels of adjudication, including consulting on legal strategy, reviewing, and providing feedback on legal documents, and performing legal research. Regularly coordinate with the Director of Training & Technical Assistance and Managing Attorney regarding overarching program priorities and funding deliverables. Develop and maintain relationships with the private immigration bar, pro bono counsel, non-profit immigration practitioners and other stakeholders supporting asylum seekers (e.g., public interest organizations and community groups). Represent CGRS in local, national, international coalitions and working groups. Participate in other projects and duties across CGRS’ core program areas on an as-needed basis.

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

 

 

Education & Experience

 

• JD degree and admission to practice law in California Five years of progressively responsible affirmative and removal defense experience in asylum and immigration cases, including representation before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration Court, and Board of Immigration Appeals. *Willing to consider exceptional candidates with less experience

 

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

 

• Background in the public interest sector and experience with national and local immigrant rights and other coalition partners preferred. Experience mentoring and supervising junior attorneys, pro bono attorneys, law clerks, and/or support staff and interns. Enthusiasm for attorney professional development and adult learning. Experience training, teaching, or presenting on substantive immigration law and practical skills preferred. Solid organizational and time-management skills. Excellent legal strategy, analysis, drafting, and editing skills. Excellent oral communication skills, including in both legal advocacy and broader public communication. Proficiency with relevant software programs, e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Ability to work independently and within a team. High level of productivity. Willingness to travel throughout California and nationally. Demonstrated commitment to refugee, human rights, and social justice issues. Fluency in Spanish a plus.

 

 

BENEFITS

 

 

 

Health and Welfare Benefits

 

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses Employee Assistance Program

 

 

For your Financial Future

 

• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance University of California Retirement Plan (a defined benefit plan) Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

 

 

For your Work/Life Balance

 

• Fifteen paid holidays per year Generous vacation and sick leave Commuter Benefits Program

 

 

This is an exempt, full-time opportunity with an anticipated hiring range of $80,000 - $110,000 plus an excellent benefits package. To apply: https://uc-hastings.breezy.hr/p/611dc2e6042c-staff-attorney-technical-assistance-and-training

 

Failure to provide the information as required on the application form and to include a resume shall immediately disqualify an applicant from employment consideration. This position has been designated as "sensitive" and requires a pre-employment background check. This position is open until filled.

 

 

UC Hastings College of the Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer