Associate Attorney needed for Santa Ana office

Job Title: Associate Attorney

Job Overview

A law firm located in Santa Ana, CA, is seeking a driven and adaptable Associate Attorney to join its immigration practice. The role involves handling cases before immigration courts and federal agencies, contributing to legal strategy, and supporting clients through various humanitarian and family-based immigration matters. This is a full-time opportunity for a newly licensed attorney or a recent graduate awaiting California Bar results, offering room for professional development in a supportive legal environment.

Duties

• Represent clients in immigration, civil, and occasional criminal proceedings, including court hearings and depositions

• Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, and immigration policies

• Draft legal documents, including motions, briefs, discovery requests, and responses

• Assist clients in collecting and preparing evidence for filings

• Provide instructions to legal support staff, including paralegals and assistants

• Communicate consistently with clients to provide case updates and gather necessary information

• Maintain and manage an independent caseload and meet all legal deadlines

• Contribute to strategy in complex humanitarian immigration matters such as asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and consular processing

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction or awaiting California Bar results

• Good standing with the respective licensing Bar

• Fluent in both spoken and written Spanish and English

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong legal writing and verbal communication skills

• Proven capacity to manage deadlines and prioritize casework effectively

• Willingness to appear in person at court proceedings and client meetings

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school (required)

Certifications

• Admission to a U.S. state bar (or pending results from the California Bar Exam)

Skills

• In-depth understanding of U.S. immigration law and procedures

• Experience with humanitarian forms such as I-589, 42B, AOS, and consular processing (preferred)

• Legal research proficiency

• Strong organizational and case management skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication abilities

Job Location

• Santa Ana, CA

• In-person work environment

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off and sick leave

• Opportunities for professional development and legal training