Job description:
Associate Immigration Attorney About The Cruz Law OfficeThe Cruz Law Office, APC is a mission-driven immigration law firm serving immigrant families and individuals in complex immigration matters. Founded by an immigrant for immigrants, we combine compassionate client service with careful legal analysis, strong case preparation, and practical advocacy. We are seeking an experienced, Spanish-speaking Associate Immigration Attorney to join our San Diego office in person. This hybrid position is primarily focused on family-based USCIS matters. The attorney will also have day-to-day responsibility for a small, defined EOIR docket, ensuring that assigned matters are actively monitored and advanced with support from the legal team. Explore Our RoleGain a deeper insight into our firm's culture, the critical nature of your responsibilities, and the significant impact you can make.https://vimeo.com/reviews/2e25f2cd-eb25-489f-8561-e074d49d09bf/videos/1223493916Role and Expected Workload The attorney’s workload will generally be allocated as follows, based on the firm’s evolving docket: Approximately 60% — USCIS matters: Adjustment of Status, Form I-751 petitions, hardship waivers, consular processing, and related family-based case review and strategy. Approximately 15–20% currently, with potential growth to approximately 35% — EOIR docket oversight: TCLO is not seeking to build a general removal-defense practice or accept removal matters as a primary service line. The attorney will manage a small docket involving assigned and existing-client matters. The current docket, expected scope, and anticipated development of this responsibility will be discussed in greater detail during the interview process. Approximate 15-20% — Mic. In-person Client Meeting matters: Prospective-client consultations and client meetings, including FOIA reviews, case-strategy discussions, interview preparation, and other matters requiring direct attorney involvement. These percentages are estimates and may shift as the firm’s needs develop. Primary ResponsibilitiesUSCIS and Family-Based Immigration Review, prepare, and supervise Adjustment of Status, Form I-751, hardship waiver, consular-processing, and other family-based matters. Analyze eligibility, admissibility, immigration history, and procedural risks. Review applications, petitions, supporting evidence, declarations, and legal arguments prepared by the legal team. Respond to Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, and other USCIS correspondence. Prepare clients for USCIS interviews and attend interviews when required. Monitor deadlines and ensure cases are complete, accurate, and ready for filing.
EOIR and Removal Proceedings:
Take day-to-day responsibility for the assigned EOIR docket and remain actively involved in the status, strategy, and progression of each matter. Supervise legal assistants supporting EOIR matters, assign and follow up on tasks, review work for completeness and accuracy, and address delays promptly. Ensure all hearings, filing deadlines, biometrics appointments, evidence deadlines, and internal follow-up dates are accurately calendared and monitored. Conduct regular docket reviews, identify risks or stalled matters, and escalate time-sensitive or strategic issues to firm leadership. Represent assigned clients before the Executive Office for Immigration Review and prepare clients for Master Calendar Hearings, Individual Hearings, bond hearings, and other proceedings as required. Review Notices to Appear, pleadings, DHS evidence, Forms I-213, FOIA records, prior filings, and relevant immigration and criminal histories; develop case strategies and evaluate available relief, defenses, procedural objections, and termination or dismissal options. Draft and review motions, briefs, legal memoranda, declarations, exhibits, and other EOIR filings; communicate with DHS counsel, EOIR, and other government agencies when appropriate.
Consultations, Client Meetings, and Team Support:
Conduct in-person consultations and identify potential immigration options, risks, and limitations.
Lead client meetings involving FOIA results, case strategy, interview preparation, changed circumstances, or additional services.
Explain complex legal issues clearly in English and Spanish.
Provide legal guidance to paralegals and legal assistants and review their work for accuracy and completeness.
Maintain clear case notes and collaborate with attorneys, intake staff, and management.
Help improve legal workflows, templates, training materials, and case-management procedures.
Qualifications:
Active license to practice law in at least one United States jurisdiction.
At least 2 to 3 years of immigration-law experience.
Meaningful experience handling EOIR matters and appearing in Immigration Court.
Experience with family-based USCIS matters, including Adjustment of Status, Form I-751, hardship waivers, and consular processing.
Strong legal research, writing, analysis, and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated ability to take day-to-day responsibility for a docket, supervise support staff, and independently manage hearings, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Fluency in Spanish is required.
Strong judgment, organization, attention to detail, and client-communication skills.
Ability to work in person at the firm’s San Diego office.
Commitment to ethical, compassionate, and client-centered representation.
Experience with motions to reopen, terminate, dismiss, or continue; bond hearings; and complex admissibility issues is strongly preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:- Starting salary of $110,000–$120,000 per year, depending on experience
- Performance bonuses
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Continuing legal education and professional-development support
- Leadership training and opportunities for growth within the firm
- Schedule and Location
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Application Process: Please submit:
- Cover letter
- ResumeThree professional references
- Legal writing sample
We look forward to learning more about your experience and interest in joining The Cruz Law Office.
Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Paid time off
Work Location: Remote
