Description:

Description:
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone, and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.

ImmDef represents thousands of adults, children, and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex, and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system.

Position Summary:
ImmDef is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join our Removal Defense team, with a primary focus on federal habeas corpus litigation to challenge unlawful immigration detention and secure clients' release.

ImmDef receives urgent referrals involving detained immigrants, including individuals with final orders of removal, who may have legal grounds to challenge their detention. This attorney will be responsible for quickly evaluating these referrals, identifying viable legal claims, and researching, drafting, and filing habeas corpus petitions in federal district court.

This is a litigation-focused position for an attorney who enjoys legal research and writing, developing creative legal arguments, and advocating for individuals facing unlawful or prolonged detention. While the attorney may handle some detained removal defense matters, the primary responsibility will be pursuing habeas litigation to get people out of immigration custody and reunited with their families.

Prior habeas experience is preferred but not required. We are prepared to train attorneys with immigration removal defense experience who are interested in developing federal litigation skills. Some travel to immigration detention centers to meet with clients and gather evidence will be required.

Staff attorneys will join the largest nonprofit universal representation deportation defense team in California and work alongside dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and litigation partners committed to protecting immigrant communities.

Job Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Habeas Corpus Litigation & Detention Advocacy

Evaluate urgent referrals involving detained immigrants, particularly individuals with final orders of removal, to identify potential habeas corpus claims.
Research, draft, and file federal habeas corpus petitions challenging unlawful or prolonged immigration detention.
Analyze immigration and detention histories, including prior removal proceedings, criminal convictions, custody determinations, and other relevant legal issues.
Prepare legal briefs, declarations, supporting evidence, and related federal court filings, including emergency motions when appropriate.
Litigate habeas petitions in federal district court, including responding to government filings and participating in hearings as needed.
Develop creative legal strategies to challenge immigration detention and advocate for clients' release.
Stay current on evolving federal case law and legal developments affecting immigration detention.

Client Representation & Removal Defense

Provide direct legal counseling and representation to detained immigrants regarding their detention and available legal remedies.
Visit immigration detention centers as needed to meet with clients, conduct interviews, and gather evidence for habeas litigation.
Communicate with clients and their families regarding legal strategies, case developments, and potential outcomes.
Handle some detained removal defense matters, including bond hearings, immigration court proceedings, and related legal filings, as appropriate.
Evaluate related immigration remedies, including motions to reopen, requests for stays of removal, and other post-order strategies when relevant to a client's detention or removal case.
Provide trauma-informed, client-centered representation to individuals facing detention, family separation, and deportation.

Collaboration & Legal Strategy

Work closely with ImmDef's Removal Defense, Rapid Response, and Litigation & Advocacy teams to identify appropriate cases for habeas intervention.
Collaborate with supervising attorneys and legal colleagues on complex legal questions and litigation strategies.
Participate in case rounds, legal trainings, and strategy discussions.
Contribute to the development of habeas templates, legal research, and other resources to strengthen ImmDef's detention litigation work.
Identify recurring legal issues or detention practices that may warrant broader legal advocacy.

Requirements:

Juris Doctorate degree or LL.M. degree;
Active California State Bar License or licensure from another state and, if required, eligibility and willingness to "waive into" the CA Bar via the Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Program;
At least one year of experience representing clients in immigration removal defense proceedings.
Strong legal research, analytical, and persuasive writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage cases independently, prioritize urgent matters, and meet litigation deadlines.
Interest in federal habeas corpus litigation and willingness to develop expertise in challenging immigration detention.
Willingness to zealously pursue creative and untested legal theories.
Ability and willingness to visit immigration detention facilities as needed.
Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment.
Passion for social justice and defending the rights of immigrants.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with federal habeas corpus litigation, federal district court practice, or appellate litigation.
Experience representing detained immigrants, including individuals with final orders of removal.
Familiarity with immigration detention law, bond proceedings, and post-order legal remedies.
Experience analyzing the immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
At least two years of immigration removal defense experience preferred, although candidates with less experience and strong research and writing skills will be considered.
Ex
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, and legal partners.

Language Proficiency
Spanish language proficiency is strongly preferred for this position; fluency in other languages is also helpful.