Detention Response Legal Fellow (Two-Year Fellowship)

Based in Portland, Maine, with a satellite office in Lewiston, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only state-wide immigration legal aid organization. ILAP’s mission is to help low-income immigrants improve their legal status and to work for more just and humane laws and policies affecting immigrants. ILAP’s work includes direct legal services for over 3,000 clients each year; education and outreach to immigrant communities and service providers; and systemic advocacy on local, state, and federal immigration law issues.

ILAP is committed to having a respectful, collaborative, and equitable work environment, with equal opportunity for all employees. We encourage applications from individuals with lived immigrant experience, as well as those from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We believe in building an organization that is reflective of the communities that we serve and is diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental, and physical abilities. We believe that having a diverse and equitable organization strengthens our programming and services and advances our organizational values.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Detention Response Legal Fellow supports ILAP’s work to expand access to legal representation for individuals impacted by immigration detention. The fellowship provides an opportunity for an attorney to develop expertise in immigration detention, federal habeas litigation, emergency advocacy, and strategic case assessment while working alongside experienced immigration attorneys.

The Legal Fellow evaluates requests for legal assistance related to individuals detained by U.S. immigration authorities and provides direct representation in federal habeas litigation challenging unlawful detention, as well as in bond and custody proceedings in immigration court. This is a two-year, fixed-term fellowship. Because this work responds to evolving immigration enforcement practices and community needs, responsibilities may shift over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Assessment & Triage

• Review and evaluate requests for assistance within established timeframes and make recommendations regarding case acceptance and placement, seeking appropriate input from supervising attorneys.
• Identify emergency matters and, with supervision, take appropriate steps to protect clients’ rights including by filing habeas petitions.

Direct Representation

• Represent detained clients in habeas litigation challenging unlawful detention, and in custody and bond proceedings.
• In limited circumstances, provide removal defense representation in removal proceedings.

Case Coordination & Data Tracking

• Update and maintain the Detention Project’s internal tracking systems used to support legal triage, monitor immigration enforcement trends, and track program outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of communications, screenings, and case-related activity in ILAP’s case management system (LegalServer).
• Help ensure the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of detention-related data used for internal planning, advocacy, grant reporting, and program evaluation.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director or Co-Legal Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. required. Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction strongly preferred, though strong candidates not yet admitted may be considered. Admission in Maine, Massachusetts, and/or New Hampshire is a plus.
• 1–4 years of experience in immigration law, including through a law school clinical program. Experience representing detained immigrants is a plus. Prior federal court experience is helpful but not required.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, with close attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work product.
• Strong judgment and emotional intelligence, with deep respect for clients and community members.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Motivated by fast-paced work, excellent at prioritization, and able to manage a high-volume, time-sensitive caseload.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and accessibly to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to remain organized and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated passion for advancing immigrants’ rights.
• Ability to work well with individuals from different cultures and with varying levels of English proficiency.
• Fluency in a relevant language, including Spanish, French, or Portuguese, is strongly preferred.
• Personal and professional commitment to racial justice and equity.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with Office 365.

COMPENSATION

For 2026, ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $72,141- $80,628. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience. Employees may also receive additional compensation based on language proficiency in one or more relevant client languages, supervision responsibilities, and membership on ILAP's Equity Committee.

ILAP offers a generous benefits package. Current benefits include:

• Fully paid individual health and dental insurance coverage and significant coverage for dependents’ health insurance;
• Vacation (20 days), Holidays (13.5), Sick Days (12), and Personal Days (4);
• Reduced Hours Fridays;
• Paid parental leave and a paid family and medical leave policy;
• Paid sabbatical after each 5 years of employment;
• Employer Retirement Contributions;
• Health Savings Plan;
• Law School Repayment Assistance;
• Employer-paid premium for long term disability and life insurance;
• Individual and staff-wide professional development opportunities; and
• Alternative Work Arrangement (eligible after 90-day onboarding)

 Employees may receive additional compensation based on language proficiency in one or more relevant client languages, supervision responsibilities, and membership on ILAP's Equity Committee.