Under the direction of the New American Legal Clinic (NALC) Clinic Director and Staff Attorney(s), the law clerk will be dedicated to completing affirmative cases including but not limited to naturalizations, U Visas, VAWAs, SIJs, T Visas and family-based petitions. The position will also require conducting research for complex cases including asylum, removal defense and appeals.
Minimum Requirements:
• Current law student in good standing at SJCL
• Eligible to participate in the federal work-study program
• Intermediate/Advance skills with Microsoft products
• Keyboarding minimum of 35-40 words per minute
• Proficiency with using Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to work up to 20 hours a week between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
• Completion of the Introduction to Immigration Law class component or similar experience working in an immigration law office
Desired:
Experience preparing immigration cases such as naturalization applications, U visa applications, family petitions, asylum applications and cases before EOIR is preferred but not required.
Advanced knowledge of and ability to employ correct English/Spanish usage and translation, verbal and written, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation highly preferred.
Knowledge and Skills:
An individual must be able to effectively execute the clinic’s mission. Individuals in this position must have the ability to independently handle a case load and conduct legal research and analysis. The position requires you to be reliable, responsible, flexible, organized and possess a high work ethic and exercise good judgment. You must also maintain strict attention to detail, independent follow-through, respond constructively to changing situations, protect confidential information and create good working relationships with a diverse staff, faculty, student, and client population. Furthermore, you must also learn and apply college policies and procedures.
Essential Job Requirements:
• Prepare filings for USCIS and EOIR;
• Independently manage a caseload of approximately 50-75 cases
• Ensure files are well organized and up to date; entering notes and relevant data in the case management system; watching deadlines for timely filing of documents;
• Conduct thorough legal research and present complete analysis on topics of immigration law;
• Complete memorandums based on research findings;
• Able to collaborate with administrative staff in the clinic, to field questions and provide initial support and mentorship, as needed;
• Display a high level of discretion in dealing with confidential information;
• Excellent customer service skills (written and verbal) and desire to work with diverse population of people;
• Assist the Clinic Director, Staff Attorney(s) and Case Management Team, in student coordination specifically related to office and file protocol;
• Plan, promote, facilitate, execute, and advertise NALC clinic programs to students;
• Participate in outreach activities as required by grants
• Participate in team meetings
• Must be able to function in a high-volume environment to ensure individual and team goals at achieve in compliance with funding of multiple grants;
• Maintain regular on time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned
Equipment Used: Computer, telephone, voice mail, fax/scanner, printers/photocopiers.
Physical:The job is typically performed indoors with heat/air-conditioning. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily which include reading, typing/ keyboarding, lifting to 10 pounds, on average six plus hours at a workstation. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Working Conditions: Primarily works indoors in a heated/air-conditioned workspace.
San Joaquin College of Law provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
To apply send a cover letter detailing your immigration experience, resume and legal writing sample to hr@sjcl.edu. If you have previously worked in the clinic the writing sample is not necessary to apply. This position is open until filled.
Hourly Pay range $20-$23.