The TransLatin@ Coalition is seeking a Coordinator of Legal Services to join its team! The Coordinator of Legal Services (CLS) reports to the Director of Operations & Services and the Chief Operations Officer (COO). The Coordinator of Legal Services provides direct legal services to members of the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGI) community, works in conjunction with the legal team on legal cases and projects, and coordinates legal services. The CLS works alongside other members of The TransLatin@ Coalition’s staff, including legal analysts, interns and externs, paralegals, and case managers, to ensure effectiveness in service delivery. The Coordinator of Legal Services helps ensure that individuals in the TGI community receive immigration-related services, equal access to justice and the opportunity to exercise the legal rights and benefits afforded to all members of society. Although it could also encompass broader legal services for the TGI community, this position will largely provide community members with immigration-related legal services under the Amig@s LIBRES (Latin@s Inspiring Border Resistance) Program. The ideal candidate is a skilled attorney who can achieve measurable results for clients whose values align with TLC’s goals of uplifting the TGI community and advocating for equal justice for the underserved and underrepresented. This position will have a six-month performance probationary period upon hiring.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
● Attendance & punctuality.
● Be available to work at least forty hours per week at The TransLatin@ Coalition office in Los Angeles.
● Manage an active caseload of a minimum of 30 cases total for TLC members in detention and released from detention
● Coordinate Legal Services Department.
● Preparation of immigration cases and be able to represent clients in front of immigration court
● Collaborate with and serve as a resource for pro bono attorneys from TLC’s volunteer network, representing TLC members in immigration matters.
● Research relevant legal issues about clients’ cases, directly represent clients before immigration agencies and courts and prepare and submit applications for immigration relief as a defense to removal and/or for benefits under immigration law as applicable.
● Ensure that case deadlines are met and essential tasks are accomplished.
● Enforce exacting standards of professionalism, ethics, and client confidentiality.
● Stay up to date on changes to applicable laws and procedures.
● Establish, build, and maintain relationships with other organizations, legal departments, law schools, and practitioners.
● Work cooperatively with TLC case managers to handle referrals and coordinate responses to client needs.
● Maintain empathy discretion and employ trauma-informed strategies in dealing with clients who may have had distressing or painful experiences in their home country or during their journey to the U.S.
● The Director of Operations & Services, the COO, and the CEO may assign other duties as needed.
● Must have legitimate transportation and current insurance to be able to run occasional errands, appointments, and out-of-office site visits as needed.
● Bring creative solutions to explore and develop with the Vice President & COO.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
● Law degree obtained from an accredited law school and active State Bar membership in good standing (membership in the California State Bar is preferred).
● Proof of employment eligibility and valid California driver's license or California identification.
● Excellent writing, reading, communication, and research skills.
● Demonstrated knowledge of immigration law and knowledge of how immigration laws particularly affect the LGBTQ+ community.
● Experience in working cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g., multigender, ethnic, generation, monolingual Spanish speakers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, substance use, homeless, disabled, etc.) and competently assessing their needs.
● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment, and willingness to work beyond a minimum 8.0-hour workday, including evening and weekend meetings and events, and workweeks in excess of 40 hours when caseload or other obligations so necessitate.
● Ability to master a wide range of information, take initiative, be organized and strategic, and adapt to and work effectively in a team setting, including the ability to work collaboratively with a team of paralegals, attorneys, and community members and the ability to deal with all stakeholders tactfully and effectively.
NON-ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Knowledge of specific needs and issues affecting TGI people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and new to the U.S.
● Bilingual fluency (Spanish - English) is highly preferred but not an absolute requirement.
● Experience in writing, filling out, and filing court documents, motions, declarations, and other court forms or pleadings.
● Experience representing clients in court (immigration or otherwise) and/or advocating for clients before administrative agency proceedings and at interviews.
● Familiarity with one or more of the following subject areas before governmental agencies and/or courts: housing law (landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings); unlawful discrimination; criminal court procedures; domestic violence restraining orders and/or civil harassment restraining orders.
● Experience providing community presentations such as trainings and workshops.
● Experience and knowledge of MS Access and Gmail Suite.
● Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
● Knowledge of specific policy needs and issues of TGI people.
● Excellent writing and reading skills.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
● Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, and natural light from windows.
● Occasional attendance to community events, conferences, and other meeting venues that the COO frequents. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at the event locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, and substance use and abuse.
● As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, candidates for this position may be required to undergo random drug tests. The drug test may be conducted at any stage of the hiring process and will be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
● Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, and natural light from windows.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
● This position has supervisory responsibilities for the legal services staff.
● Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and see that they are met throughout the organization.
● Set strategy for and manage the implementation of communications to build visibility for The TransLatin@ Coalition's mission and advance partnerships and other business initiatives.
● Maintaining compliance with all operations functions and aligning with industry standards and best practices.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
● While performing this job, the candidate typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, frequently driving, carrying (max. 20 lbs), lifting (max. 20 lbs), listening, and speaking.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
● The candidate in this position must accommodate any/all the following: constant distractions, interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules, availability for on-call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others.
BENEFITS
● The following benefits are offered for full-time employees:
● Employee Paid Medical – after a 60-day probationary period.
● Employee Paid Dental – after a 60-day probationary period.
● Employee Paid Vision – after a 60-day probationary period.
● 403 (b) 100% with a match by the organization – after 90-days.
● Personal Time – after 90-days.
● Vacation Time – after 90-days.
● Sabbatical Time – eligible after six consecutive years of employment.
