Closing Date: 12th October, 2026

Description:

Job Summary:
This Position Will Lead the Uc Center's Removal Defense Work, Including Responding to Immigration Arrests and Detentions Across California with Support from Uc Center Campus-Based Attorneys, Provide Legal Representation in Immigration Court (detained and Non-Detained), Mentor and Supervise Staff to Build Removal Defense Knowledge, Assist with Resource Development, and Support Federal Court Litigation. This Is a Full-Time, Two-Year Contract Position with Possible Extension. Hybrid or Remote Work Options Available for Those Living in California.

The Uc Immigration Legal Services Center (ucimm) Is a University-Based, Immigration Legal Services Program Headquartered at The Uc Davis School of Law with Staff Present and Providing Legal Services at All Uc Campuses. We Provide Advice and Counsel and Direct Legal Representation in Immigration Matters, and Engage in Education and Outreach, Advocacy, and Other Strategic Initiatives. We Offer Free Services to Enrolled Undocumented and Other Immigrant Uc Students, Including U.S. Citizens in Mixed Status Families; Uc Staff and Faculty, and Low-Income Immediate Family Members of Enrolled Uc Students, and Some Alumni.

Under General Direction of The Executive Director, This Attorney Will Be Responsible for Leading and Building the Uc Center's Removal Defense Practice, with A Focus on Representation Before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (eoir) in Both Detained and Non-Detained Cases, as Well as Filing Appeals Before the Board of Immigration Appeals (bia) and Petitions for Review Before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This Includes Bond Hearings, Master Calendar Hearings, Motions Practice, and Individual Merits Hearings. the Attorney Will Prepare and File Applications for Relief from Removal, Including Asylum/withholding of Removal and Protection Under the Convention Against Torture (cat), Cancellation of Removal, Adjustment of Status in Proceedings, and Other Forms of Relief Available in Immigration Court. Depending on Capacity and Need, This Attorney May Also Be Assigned Cases Before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis), Including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (sijs), U Non-Immigrant Visas, and Family-Based Petitions, Among Others.

An Attorney in This Role Will Be Expected to Be the First Responder at The Uc Center in Removal Defense. This Includes Travel to Immigrant Detention Centers Across California, and Other Locales as Part of Comprehensive Representation Before Eoir and Other Agencies, as Necessary. Travel to Various Uc Campuses for Client or Team Meetings, Including Uc Davis, Will Also Be Expected.

This Attorney Will Supervise and Mentor Attorneys and Other Staff on Removal Defense Cases as Part of Building the Uc Center's Overall Removal Defense Capacity. Their Work in This Area Will Require Collaboration with Various Team Members, Overseeing Case Preparation and Workflow, Maintaining Organization, Accuracy, and Compliance Across Assigned Matters, and Ensuring Efficient Case Management and Strong Client Service. the Attorney Will Be Expected to Closely Follow Changes to Law, Policy, and Practice Before Eoir.

Additionally, This Attorney Will Be Expected to Assist in Our Growing Federal Litigation Practice, Particularly Habeas Petitions, and Any Other Litigation that May Intersect with Removal Defense Before Eoir.

Apply by Date

October 12, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications - for Full Consideration, Applicants Are Encouraged to Upload License And/or Certification if Required of The Position

J.D. Degree and California State Bar Member in Good Standing.
Minimum of 5-8 Years of Experience Representing Detained Immigrants in Removal Proceedings;
Demonstrated Experience Handling a Removal Defense Docket (including Detained and Non-Detained) of Approximately 25-30 Cases, Including Ability to Develop and Lead Case Strategy;
Demonstrated Experience Handling a Wide Range of Matters in Immigration Court, Including Representation in A Substantial Number of Bond Hearings, Master Calendar Hearings, and Merits Hearings;
Experience Filing and Briefing Bia Appeals And/or Federal Court Litigation;
Ability to Manage Litigation Matters with Minimal Supervision;
Demonstrated Ability or Willingness to Mentor and Supervise Junior Staff;
Must Be Fully Fluent in Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge and Experience Filing Habeas Petitions;
Experience in Complex Motions Practice, Including Motions to Reopen and Motions to Suppress;
Experience Working with Students and Immigrant Community Organizations and Providing Trauma-Informed Client Services.
Highly Organized with Strong Attention to Detail and Demonstrated Ability to Meet Deadlines and Move Work Forward; Flexible, Innovative, Able to Quickly Adapt to Changing Program Needs, and Highly-Motivated.

Key Responsibilities:

70% - Legal Counsel and Outreach
30% - Supervision

Department Overview:
The Uc Davis School of Law Is a Top Tier Us Law School Finishing High in Every Ranking of Note, but We Value Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as Highly as Academic Excellence. the Mission of The School of Law Is to Be a Nationally and Internationally Recognized Leader in The Development and Dissemination of Legal Knowledge, as Well as The Education of Students to Become Socially Responsible Lawyers Committed to Professional Excellence and High Ethical Standards, and To Provide Significant Public Service Through Law Reform and Professional Activities. Through Its Faculty, Students, and Graduates, the School of Law Seeks to Make Substantial Contributions Toward Solving the Complex Legal Problems Confronting Our Society. the Outstanding Scholarly Reputation, High Rankings, Small Size, Dedicated Faculty of Internationally Renowned Scholars, and Uniquely Supportive Learning Environment Combine for An Experience of Legal Education that Is Second to None to The Students. the Uc Davis School of Law Offers a Three-Year Full-Time Program Leading to The Juris Doctor Degree, as Well as Programs for Ll.M. and Combined Degrees.

The Uc Immigration Legal Services Center (ucimm) Is a College-Based, Immigration Legal Services Program Headquartered at The Uc Davis School of Law with Staff Providing Services at All Uc Campuses. We Provide Advice and Counsel and Direct Legal Representation in Immigration Matters, and Engage in Education and Outreach, Advocacy, and Other Strategic Initiatives. We Offer Free Services to Enrolled Undocumented and Other Immigrant Uc Students, Including U.S. Citizens in Mixed Status Families; Uc Staff and Faculty, and Low-Income Immediate Family Members of Enrolled Uc Students, and Some Alumni.

Position Information:

Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr. (dept. Budgeted Range: $115,000/yr. - $125,000/yr. Commensurate with Experience)
Salary Frequency: Annual
Salary Grade: Grade 25
Uc Job Title: Stdt Legal Svc Advisor 3
Uc Job Code: 000558
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 2 Year Contract with Possibility of Extension or Conversion to Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8:00 Am - 5:00 Pm
Location: Davis, Ca
Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (ppsm)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This Position Is Hybrid (mix of On-Site and Remote Work)