Description:
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Associate Attorney to join our growing Immigration Law practice, with a primary focus on removal defense for detained and non-detained individuals. This position is ideal for an attorney with at least 1 year of immigration law experience seeking to further develop litigation and advocacy skills while representing clients in complex immigration matters.The Associate Attorney will represent clients in removal proceedings and handle related immigration matters, including bond hearings, habeas corpus petitions, family-based immigration petitions, adjustment of status (green card) applications, and naturalization cases. Fluency in Spanish is required due to the nature of client communications and representation.
Key Responsibilities: Removal Defense Representation
- Represent detained and non-detained clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court (EOIR)
- Appear at master calendar hearings, individual (merits) hearings, bond hearings, and other immigration court proceedings
- Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings and trials
- Develop legal strategies and advocate for clients seeking relief from removal
- Draft and file motions, briefs, pleadings, bond requests, habeas corpus petitions, and appellate filings as necessary
- Conduct legal research utilizing AILA resources, practice advisories, statutes, regulations, and case law
- Analyze legal issues and develop persuasive legal arguments
- Prepare and file family-based petitions, adjustment of status applications, and naturalization applications
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and other agency correspondence
- Conduct consultations in Spanish and English, clearly explaining legal options, procedures, and case strategies
- Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case developments and expectations
- Manage case files, deadlines, and filings using the firm's case management system
- Communicate with EOIR, USCIS, ICE, detention facilities, and other government agencies
Professional Development:
- Stay current on developments in immigration law, particularly those affecting removal defense and family-based immigration
- Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to ensure high-quality client representation
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Active admission to a U.S. state bar and good standing
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience practicing immigration law
- Fluency in Spanish (spoken and written)
- Experience handling immigration cases, including removal defense, family-based immigration matters, or both
- Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Ability and willingness to appear before Immigration Courts and detention facilities
Preferred:
- Experience appearing in Immigration Court for master calendar hearings, individual hearings, or bond hearings
- Experience preparing asylum applications, cancellation of removal applications, waivers, or other forms of immigration relief
- Familiarity with immigration case management software and EOIR filing systems
- Membership in AILA or familiarity with AILA resources
