Staff Attorney for Youth Legal Services(YLS)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (CCSCC)’s immigration legal service team is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to provide direct legal representation to children and young people (up to age 21) through its Youth Legal Services (YLS) program. This position focuses on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), guardianship, and affirmative and defensive asylum cases, including related state court proceedings required to obtain SIJS predicate orders.

The Staff Attorney will represent youth in state court and, where applicable, before immigration agencies and courts. The role includes filing SIJS and asylum-related applications and collaborating closely with other immigration attorneys to ensure comprehensive, high-quality representation. This position is part of CCSCC’s Immigration Expansion Team and advances a holistic, client-centered model that addresses the legal and stabilization needs of immigrant youth.

The position is based at CCSCC’s main office: 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134. The ideal candidate will be able to start as soon as possible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct intake, screening, and eligibility assessments for youth under age 21 under the YLS program.
• Provide legal advice and representation in guardianship, dependency, and other civil proceedings leading to SIJS predicate orders.
• Prepare and file SIJS petitions and asylum applications (affirmative and defensive) before USCIS and EOIR, as applicable.
• Represent clients in state court and immigration proceedings, including asylum interviews and hearings.
• Handle guardianship filings and hearings, working closely with caregivers and families.
• Investigate cases, analyze facts, and develop legal strategies tailored to youth clients.
• Litigate evidentiary hearings, including examining and cross-examining witnesses.
• Collaborate with immigration attorneys to ensure seamless case coordination across SIJS and asylum matters.
• Identify additional legal and non-legal needs and provide warm handoffs to CCSCC or partner services.
• Maintain accurate case records and track time and outcomes in CCSCC’s case management system.
• Participate in YLS/CDSS trainings and ongoing professional development.
• Engage in staff meetings and organizational initiatives related to equity, trauma-informed care, and anti-racism.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Ability to live and practice law in California.
• Demonstrated commitment to CCSCC’s mission of protecting the safety and well-being of youth.
• Bilingual ability required; Spanish proficiency strongly preferred and highly desired (spoken and written).
• Demonstrated experience handling guardianship, asylum (affirmative and/or defensive), and SIJS cases is strongly required.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with youth and diverse communities.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner.
• Experience advising or supporting pro bono attorneys is a plus.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the evolving needs of youth clients.
• Commitment to continuous learning and openness to feedback.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint
• Must have TB test performed and submit results
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work will be mostly indoors in a comfortable office environment
• Local travel within Santa Clara County

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a full-time, exempt position. Hours will be based on client and resource family availability and program needs.