Nonprofit
Removal Defense Attorney
Details
Description
We are hiring an immigration attorney to represent immigrants in removal proceedings. This position may be based in either the San Francisco or San Jose office, with a preference for candidates based in San Jose.
Job Title: Immigration Attorney
Primary Responsibilities
- Represent immigrants in removal proceedings
- When needed, take on appellate work (appeals at the BIA and the 9th Circuit, habeas petitions in District Courts)
- Be on call for rapid response on a rotating basis
- Help to maintain and grow Pangea as a democratically-run organization, and actively participate in an organizational “hub”
Required Skills and Experience
- License to practice law in the United States
- Spanish language proficiency
- Excellent written communication skills
- 1+ years of removal defense experience
- Attention to detail, while still able to see the big picture
Bonus Skills and Experience
- Spanish language fluency, proficiency in other languages
- Experience in movement-building / community organizing
- Experience working with survivors of trauma
- 3+ years of removal defense experience
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- CA bar membership
- 9th Circuit Court admission
- Ability to wear multiple hats and juggle various responsibilities/roles
Benefits
- Staff have a 4 day work week (Mon-Thurs) and our physical office is closed Fridays.
- We offer health insurance through Kaiser (Silver Plan) at no cost to staff, and cover 50% of dependent premiums.
- We offer up to $4,400 per year in health reimbursements for things like glasses, therapy, or co-pays.
- We offer up to $5,000 per year in childcare reimbursements.
- We have a Simple IRA plan with an automatic 2% employer contribution.
- We pay for professional membership fees, trainings, coaching, and staff development.
- Our vacation benefits start at 12 days in the first year and increase with tenure up to 20 days per year.
- We close our office for 13 holidays a year, as well as a week over the winter holidays.
Level of Language Proficiency
Spanish language proficiency required
Spanish language fluency, proficiency in other languages preferred
Location
Associated Location
Apply to This Job
Application Instructions.
The start date of this position is flexible. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We will start evaluating applications on May 18, 2026. Please submit a cover letter, resume, one writing sample, and three references to jobs@pangealegal.org. In your cover letter, please answer the following two questions:
1) How has your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, prepared you for the kind of immigration work Pangea does?
2) What experiences do you have with collectively run organizations, or what draws you to a non-hierarchical organization?
Please indicate “Immigration Attorney Application” in the subject line of your email.
We encourage immigrants and those directly impacted by Pangea’s work to apply. Pangea is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
