LEGAL PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

LEGAL PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

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 ready to participate in all CGRS core program areas of policy and advocacy, training and technical assistance, and impact litigation. The position is based in San Francisco, 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.

 

 

 

The Legal Program Associate will work under the direct supervision of a member of the CGRS Leadership Team but will provide support in various capacities to all CGRS programs. This role will primarily support CGRS’ Policy & Advocacy and Training & Technical Assistance Programs, while performing occasional paralegal-type duties for the litigation team. Projects will include coordinating logistics for CGRS’ leadership role in groundbreaking medical-legal partnerships to promote better legal and health outcomes for asylum seekers.

 

 

 

The Legal Program Associate will be responsible for the following:

 

 

 

• Assist the Policy & Advocacy Program in all aspects of their work, including organizing and participating in meetings with key stakeholders, providing research support, proofreading and formatting reports or other written materials. Support CGRS’ Communications and Advocacy Manager to generate content for the website, social media, and other communications regarding policy and legal developments, such as newsletters, press releases and fundraising appeals. Liaise with web developers to make improvements to CGRS website. Provide research assistance and other support to CGRS’ Manager of Regional Initiatives, including coordinating convenings, outreach to international partners, and other logistics. Assist in the development of technical assistance and training materials, including research, proofreading and design of presentations, advisories and other materials under the supervision of CGRS attorneys and in collaboration other legal program associates and coordinating and otherwise supporting production of webinars and in-person training opportunities. Participate in public outreach, promoting trainings, webinars and other events, and provide support with all technology and other logistics involved in these presentations. Share in frontline technical assistance duties with fellow support staff including asylum case data maintenance and analysis. Coordinate monthly convenings of medical-legal coalition known as ImmHELP, assist with scheduling, note-taking, and tracking grant-funded deliverables. Create outreach materials, including the design, launch, and maintenance of the ImmHELP website. Engage in efforts to evaluate and measure impact of ImmHELP and other related CGRS program work. Provide support to CGRS attorneys litigating individual asylum cases as well as systemic challenges brought in federal court. Liaise between legal program staff and development staff, including providing information to comply with grant reporting. Provide other general program support on an as-needed basis.

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

 

 

Education & Experience

 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

 

• Ability to write in a clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive manner. Strong proofreading skills. Enthusiasm to learn and grow in collaborative staff environment. Solid organizational and time-management skills. Proficiency with relevant software programs, e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Openness to learning how to support CGRS’ website and online databases. Ability to work independently and within a team. Attention to detail. High level of productivity. Demonstrated commitment to refugee, human rights, and social justice issues. Willingness to travel. Proficiency in Spanish required (fluency 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 annual salary of $60,000 - $65,000 plus an excellent benefits package. To apply: https://uc-hastings.breezy.hr/p/bca9525d2ccf-legal-program-associate

 

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