Senior Associate Attorney needed for San Diego office

Job Title:
Senior  Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm in San Diego, CA, is seeking a dedicated Senior Immigration Associate Attorney to join its growing team. The role focuses on providing comprehensive immigration legal services to family-based applicants, individuals in removal proceedings, and vulnerable populations such as survivors of violence and trafficking. The position also includes leadership responsibilities, overseeing associate attorneys and paralegal staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality client advocacy.

Duties:

• Draft, review, and revise immigration applications, legal briefs, and supporting documents across various categories, including immigrant visa petitions, naturalization, U visas, T visas, asylum, VAWA petitions, humanitarian parole, and removal defense submissions.

• Manage client matters and resolve intricate legal challenges.

• Assess potential clients for eligibility across a wide array of immigration benefits.

• Maintain regular client communication through phone, email, and mail to address case-specific inquiries and concerns.

• Prepare clients for interviews and appearances before immigration courts.

• Provide direct legal representation in proceedings at the San Diego Otay Mesa Immigration Court and the San Diego Immigration Court.

• Attend and advocate for clients at USCIS interviews within San Diego and neighboring jurisdictions, including the Los Angeles Asylum Office.

• Collaborate with supervisory attorneys to craft case strategies and litigation plans.

• Conduct legal research to support case development and strategy.

• Maintain detailed and accurate case files using web-based case management systems.

• Uphold client confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards.

• Pursue continuing legal education and remain current with evolving immigration laws and procedures.

• Participate in firm-wide meetings, internal trainings, and ongoing professional development sessions.

• Supervise, mentor, and support associate attorneys and paralegals.

• Communicate staff concerns and case-related developments to the supervising partner.

• Execute additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Active license to practice law in California or any U.S. jurisdiction.

• Minimum 5 years of experience handling immigration matters with a concentration on family-based cases, removal defense, and representation of vulnerable populations.

• Fluent in both Spanish and English.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree from an accredited institution.

Certifications:

• Admission to a State Bar within the United States (California preferred).

Skills:

• Proven expertise in family immigration, humanitarian relief, and removal proceedings.

• Ability to provide client services with compassion and a trauma-informed approach.

• Strong skills in legal research, advocacy, drafting, and case strategy development.

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace tools.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

• Highly organized, self-motivated, and attentive to detail.

Job Location:

• San Diego, CA

Benefits:

• Health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Retirement savings options with employer contributions.

• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

• Opportunities for ongoing legal education and professional development.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Reimbursement for relevant bar dues and professional memberships.