Step Forward Foundation

Immigration Senior Staff Attorney

Title: Immigration Senior Staff Attorney

Location: Morgan Hill, CA & San Jose, CA (Currently Hybrid)

Reports to: Executive Director

Type of Position: Full-Time/Exempt

Why Join Our Team: At Step Forward Foundation, we are a passionate nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specialized legal services to low-income communities across Santa Clara, San Benito, and Monterey counties. Our team of social justice-minded professionals works primarily with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We provide representation in immigration, family law, and employment law. We value compassion, kindness, mental health, and flexibility. At Step Forward, we promote work-life balance and prioritize mental health wellness. Our close-knit team thrives in a supportive and positive environment where you’ll make a real impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us in making a difference

Position Overview: We are seeking an Immigration Staff Attorney with expertise in both affirmative immigration processes and removal proceedings to provide comprehensive legal services to immigrant clients. This position involves both one-on-one consultations and direct representation before immigration courts and agencies, such as USCIS, AAO, EOIR, and BIA. The Immigration Staff Attorney will need to be someone who is dedicated and highly organized and able to work in-person or in a hybrid environment. The Immigration Staff Attorney will need to be able to support clients in-office for client meetings.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Direct Legal Representation: Provide legal representation to immigrants before USCIS, AAO, EOIR, and

BIA, including case preparation, drafting briefs, and filing motions. Handle administrative responsibilities

tied to direct representation.

Client-Centered Consultations: Conduct trauma-informed consultations with prospective clients and

participate in legal clinics.

Storytelling Advocacy: Create opportunities for clients to share their stories to enhance their cases.

Stay Updated: Keep abreast of changes in immigration laws, policies, and procedures.

Training & Mentorship: Provide guidance and training for DOJ Accredited Representatives, interns, and

volunteers.

Document Preparation: Compile templates and sample motions to assist staff with technical resources.

Collaborations: Build relationships with nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations (CBO),

and stakeholders in the criminal and civil justice systems.

Community Outreach: Assist in developing educational materials and conducting outreach for CBOs.

Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with data and program reporting requirements.

Other Duties: Take on other relevant responsibilities as needed to support the mission of Step Forward Foundation.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with immigration law experience preferred.

Spanish proficiency preferred.

A deep commitment to serving low-income communities and crime survivors.

Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills.

Ability to work under pressure and take initiative in complex cases.

California driver’s license and access to a registered vehicle.

COVID-19 vaccination required.

Compensation Package

Salary Range:

$75,000 to $85,000 per year depending on experience.

Generous Benefits:

100% Employer-Covered Benefits:

Medical insurance (health, dental, and vision)

Paid Time Off (PTO): 2 weeks (80 hours) annually

Paid Sick Days: 7 days (56 hours) annually

20 Paid Holidays annually

403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer contribution

Monthly wellness reimbursements

Malpractice insurance

Bar dues paid by Step Forward

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

How to Apply:

Please submit the following materials to apply@stepfwd.org with the subject line: Immigration Staff Attorney

Application (All documents must be in PDF format):

Cover Letter that demonstrates language proficiency

Resume

Writing Sample (brief)

List of three (3) references

Step Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity and

inclusivity in our workforce. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly immigrants

and refugees, to apply. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are encouraged

to seek employment with us.

Ready to make an impact? Join Step Forward Foundation and help us champion justice for the most vulnerable in

our communities!

Step Forward Foundation

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Immigration Staff Attorney