Managing Attorney, San Francisco & Fresno

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) provided pay range

This range is provided by Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

About KIND Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children.

Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

Position Summary KIND seeks a Managing Attorney, San Francisco to assist in the management of the delivery of legal services to children and families impacted by family separation and other emerging legal and policy changes affecting migrant children seeking safe haven in the U.S. The role involves direct representation, pro‑bono mentoring, strategic legal counsel, program planning, and implementation in a cutting‑edge area of humanitarian immigration work on behalf of highly vulnerable children.

As needed, the incumbent will supervise Staff Attorneys, Senior Paralegals, Paralegals, and program staff. The Managing Attorney will report to the Managing Director, San Francisco. This position is contingent upon continued funding.

• Supervise and lead program staff, including program oversight, direct representation and pro‑bono placements, supervising casework, managing caseloads, promoting professional growth, conducting employee performance evaluations, and providing consistent effective supervision.
• Plan and implement recruitment, mentoring, and case placement strategies to increase pro‑bono representation of unaccompanied immigrant children.
• Lead, delegate, and develop pro‑bono training resources and local training curriculum, including sample filings and guidance packets.
• Provide mentoring to KIND pro‑bono attorneys and direct legal representation to KIND clients, including research, strategy formulation, client interviews, court appearances, and drafting of pleadings and applications.
• Provide legal skills training and technical case assistance to in‑house staff, pro‑bono attorneys, or other stakeholders.
• Support the Managing Director in developing and implementing management strategies to meet programmatic and funding deliverables, including staff recruitment, employee engagement, and quality control of KIND’s legal services delivery.
• Partner with the Managing Director to train mid‑level supervisors in effective coaching.
• Oversee data management, ensuring data integrity, technical fluency with KIND’s case management systems, and accurate data upkeep.
• Lead and manage large and complex programs, oversee grant reports, metrics, and assist in drafting funding proposals.
• Maintain internal and external stakeholder relations and participate in local coalitions supporting unaccompanied immigrant children.
• Collaborate with other KIND departments on specific projects and initiatives.
• Participate in and lead local and national KIND meetings, committees, retreats, and events.

• J.D. and admitted to state bar.
• Fully fluent in English and Spanish.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience practicing immigration law, including humanitarian claims such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U visas, and T visas.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience working with children, preferably immigrant and refugee children, or survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising attorneys and non‑attorney…