California ChangeLawyers is partnering with the California Department of Social Services, immigrant rights organizations, including Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) and Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), to provide a 16- to 18-month fellowship to an attorney or law graduate committed to providing immigration legal services in underserved regions of the state [Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) and the Central Valley (greater Fresno area.] There will be a strong preference for candidates who are licensed and those pursuing legal careers in the regions mentioned above.
The Immigration Legal Fellow will receive intensive legal training on immigration law, particularly removal defense representation, and immigrant rights as well as hands-on experience representing clients before federal agencies and the immigration court.
The Fellow will be placed in host organizations in underserved regions of the State, to be determined. The host organization will act as the Employer of Record for the Fellows for the duration of the Fellowship. The Fellow will be assigned a Mentor Attorney who will provide legal guidance, technical assistance, and mentorship through the fellowship. The Fellowship cohort will have access to leadership development, and networking opportunities provided by California ChangeLawyers as well as ongoing legal training provided by the ILRC.
Fellowship Duties will include:
- Participate in all orientation and training sessions provided to the cohort.
- Directly shadow experienced attorneys working on immigration cases, participate in Know Your Rights orientation sessions at immigration detention centers, and provide pro se assistance to detained individuals.
- With the assistance of Mentor Attorneys during initial training, work on a variety of immigration cases, including preparing applications, declarations, and supporting evidence as well as providing co-representation in immigration interviews, bond hearings, and removal hearings.
- Provide representation for individuals in a variety of immigration matters, including: preparing applications, declarations, and supporting evidence as well as providing representation in immigration interviews, bond hearings, and removal hearings under the guidance of the Mentor Attorney.
- Participate in on-going legal training and capacity building opportunities as well as regular case rounds sessions with the entire Fellowship cohort.
- Actively participate in leadership development activities and annual Fellowship Convenings.
Salary: $72,000 annually
Posted: February 6, 2025