Department Purpose

The Staff Attorney at UC Santa Cruz as part of the University of California Immigrant Legal Services Center will work directly to serve the immigration needs of UC students and their immediate family members at UC Santa Cruz. This position may involve some travel at the beginning of the term between UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis, in addition to quarterly meetings. Additionally, the position may require travel to other regional UC campuses for meetings The Staff Attorney should have experience with general immigration issues, including assessing grounds of inadmissibility and deportability, affirmative family-based immigration relief, humanitarian forms of relief (U-Visa, VAWA, SIJS, T-Visa, asylum), adjustment of status, naturalization, DACA, and Advance Parole.

Job Summary

THIS POSITION WILL SERVE THE POPULATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA CRUZ, IN SANTA CRUZ AND WILL BE PHYSICALLY BASED ON-CAMPUS AT UC SANTA CRUZ.

Under general direction, work with University of California (UC) Immigrant Legal Services Center attorneys and staff to serve the immigration-related needs of UC students and their immediate family members at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). Assist clients in navigating the immigration system and provide legal assistance. Perform review, research, and analysis regarding immigration issues. Conduct “Know Your Rights” and other informational presentations, as well as campus outreach in collaboration with Undocumented Student Services (USS). Represent clients at administrative and/or court proceedings and engage in administrative advocacy. The attorney will be expected to be on campus at UCSC 2-3 days per week, and as needed for presentations and to facilitate training sessions. Attorney will serve the population at the University of California at Santa Cruz, in Santa Cruz, California and will be required to attend in-person appointments and meetings via Zoom.

Two-year contract with the possibility of extension or conversion to career based on available funding.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work at a computer for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• J.D. degree. Member of a State Bar, or Provisionally Licensed to practice law.
• At least one year of experience in immigration law practice, including affirmative family-based immigration relief, U-Visa, VAWA, SIJS, adjustment of status, naturalization, advance parole, and DACA.
• Experience working with low-income communities and immigrants, preferably immigrant youth/young adults.
• Experience using writing, editing, and proofreading skills to write complex documents, and draft and create legal documents clearly, logically, and precisely with close attention to detail.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment and skills to communicate, interact, and work with diverse constituencies, particularly in student services organizations.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of legal and non-legal electronic databases to sufficiently support preparation of complex documents.
• Interpersonal and communications skills to state ideas clearly and concisely and to work closely with UC colleagues, college students and their families, staff at USCIS and courts, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional Preferred License/Certification:

• Experience supervising legal interns and/or externs, working with student and immigrant community organizations and providing trauma-informed client services.
• Experience providing informational sessions and workshops around adjustment of status, “Know Your Rights,” traveling domestically, constitutional rights, and other immigration issues/updates. Skills to solicit pertinent information, research multiple sources, and distill large amounts of information.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.
• Familiarity with UC policies and procedures, removal defense experience, including in the intersection of criminal and immigration law.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.