Staff Attorney, affirmative immigration

Oasis Legal Services seeks a courageous advocate to represent low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) clients who have been persecuted for their sexuality and gender identity and are seeking safety in the United States. The ideal candidate is self-aware, takes initiative, and is energized by providing direct representation in these challenging times. We are excited to hire someone who likes working on a diverse caseload, and is able to effectively communicate complex legal topics to clients in Spanish and English, without an interpreter or translator. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS Reports to Director of Programs and Advocacy in Berkeley CA. Supervises up to two temporary or part-time legal interns at a time. Oasis Specialists are expected to manage interns, consultants, and volunteers, should be able to supervise Associates or Coordinators, and may supervise other Managers or Specialists. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Representation of LGBTQ+ Immigrants Directly represent LGBTQ+ clients, primarily in affirmative immigration asylum proceedings in front of the U.
S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) (including asylum, adjustment of status, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), T visas, naturalization, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), family petitions, and consular processing) and in California State Court for the purposes of obtaining SIJS predicate orders. When the need arises, may be asked to directly represent LGBTQ+ clients in removal proceedings in front of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, (EOIR); in credible-fear and reasonable-fear interviews and check-ins in front of U.
S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and in habeas proceedings in front of California District Courts. Interview clients about sensitive topics, and communicate complex legal concepts to clients in Spanish and English, so they understand their options, can make informed decisions, and are prepared for interviews and hearings. Gather information and collect evidence to inform legal research, case investigation, and strategy. Prepare immigration forms, update databases and maintain accurate records. Conduct legal immigration screenings for community members interested in our services. Complete administrative tasks, such as those related to grant management and reporting and client caseload management. Manage relationships with clients, witnesses, and experts, coordinate their efforts, and track deadlines for a large caseload of up to 15 active affirmative clients at a time (if asked to represent clients in front of EOIR or ICE or in habeas cases, affirmative caseload will be reduced accordingly). Work with the Social Services Program to make referrals for collateral issues clients are facing. Respond to inquiries in a timely manner, including from many clients whose cases have already been filed and are pending. Legal Supervision & People Management Supervise the legal work of legal advocates to ensure they are providing competent legal representation to clients and managing their caseloads effectively and efficiently. This may include co-counseling cases and other inventions as needed. Assign legal work and administrative tasks to paralegals, legal interns, pro bono attorneys and other volunteers, for cases under your name and license, in coordination with the Affluent Program Director, Director of Programs & Advocacy, and other colleagues responsible for managing volunteers. Review declarations, motions, and briefs, and observe intakes and hearings. Serve as the Oasis supervisor for up to two temporary full
- or part-time legal interns at a time. Participate in weekly check-ins with these team members to provide ongoing feedback and support, and guide people in developing and executing appropriate advocacy strategies for their new and ongoing cases. Participate in Legal Team meetings. Support effective recruitment and orientation of Legal Team members, create the conditions for people to succeed at Oasis, support them in following Oasis policies and procedures in tandem with the Operations Team, and identify and facilitate training and other professional development opportunities. Community Engagement & Advocacy Prepare and deliver training internally to Oasis colleagues, external partners and service providers on topics such as asylum law, trauma-informed representation, and serving LGBTQ+ immigrants, to increase the capacity of the legal community to serve LGBTQ+ immigrants. Develop new training content and resources as needed to help ensure materials anticipate emerging needs and reflect current law and practice. Engage in outreach to LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and speak persuasively about Oasis and our work to potential clients and to other organizations that serve them, so that all eligible community members are aware of Oasis services. Participate in Advocacy Team meetings and help create strategies to foster client empowerment and elevate LGBTQ+ immigrant voices. Other Re