Removal Defense Immigration Attorney

Title: Removal Defense Immigration Attorney

Reports to: Supervising Immigration Attorney

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: San Jose, CA; on-site

Amigos de Guadalupe’s Mission Statement

Inspired by the power of our vibrant, determined community, our vision at Amigos de Guadalupe (“Amigos”) is to bring about transformational change in East San José. At Amigos, we ensure that the basic needs of our community are met, deliver high-quality programs, and mobilize and organize for justice. We do this by providing housing and rental assistance, mental health services, immigration legal services, education programs, and community organizing programs that advocate for systems change.

Overview of Amigos’ Immigration Legal Services Program

Amigos’ Immigration Legal Services Program (“ILS”) provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrant families. With a focus on humanitarian and family-based cases, the ILS team has historically and primarily provided representation for affirmative matters. Additionally, as a partner agency of Santa Clara County’s Rapid Response Network, Amigos’ attorneys provide critical legal support to noncitizens impacted by immigration enforcement actions.

The ILS program is currently expanding to include a removal defense unit. The Removal Defense Attorney plays a central role in this strategic development, serving as an integral part of the program’s broader efforts to protect and support immigrant communities facing deportation.

Overview of Position

From initial consultation through final adjudication of each matter, Amigos’ removal defense attorney will provide high-quality advice and representation to clients in removal proceedings. In this role, the attorney will work to secure relief from removal and advocate for clients’ legal rights in a compassionate and supportive environment. The attorney will also assist in case strategy development, legal research, and advocacy efforts to address systemic challenges within the immigration system. Additionally, as part of the SCC Rapid Response Network, the attorney will provide emergency legal assistance to noncitizens facing imminent removal.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation to clients in removal proceedings, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief
• Conduct consultations with clients to assess eligibility for relief from removal and develop appropriate legal strategies
• Prepare and file necessary legal documents, including motions, briefs, and applications for relief
• Represent clients in hearings before EOIR (and USCIS, BIA where necessary)
• Provide advice and limited scope representation as an emergency response attorney on behalf of the SCC Rapid Response Network
• Maintain confidential and organized case files with appropriate case notes
• Collaborate with other attorneys and support staff (paralegals and program assistants) to achieve program objectives
• Stay up to date on changes in immigration law and policy and integrate these developments into case strategy, as well as presentations to Amigos staff and community members
• Track and report grant deliverables in a timely manner
• Conduct community outreach activities and participate in advocacy efforts
• Adhere to agency-wide and program-specific protocols and procedures
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings, supervisory meetings, and agency-wide events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Active member in good standing of the State Bar – California Bar membership is preferred
• A minimum of 2 years experience as an immigration attorney – prior removal defense experience is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of immigration law and procedures
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to providing quality legal representation to vulnerable populations
• Empathetic and client-centered approach to legal representation
• Spanish-language proficiency is required

Work Environment

• The ILS team works out of Amigos’ main office in the Mayfair neighborhood in East San José.
• Occasional travel may be required for court appearances or emergency response in San Francisco and outreach events in Santa Clara County
• Standard work hours are the norm at Amigos, and flex-time may be approved for participation at work events outside of those hours

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary: $115,000
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Medical, dental, chiropractic, and vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • Paid holidays and sick time
  • 401(k) retirement plan: employer match up to 4%
  • Yearly state bar dues
  • AILA membership dues
  • Continuing legal education funding support

How to Apply

Please send your resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample of a legal document (not to exceed 5 pages) to HR@amigosdeguadalupe.org with the job title in the subject line. All three documents should be sent as a single file. Additionally, somewhere in your cover letter be sure to include the phrase, “si se puede.”

Equal Opportunity Employer Notice

Amigos de Guadalupe is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under California law.

• Medical, dental, chiropractic, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays and sick time
• 401(k) retirement plan: employer match up to 4%
• Yearly state bar dues
• AILA membership dues
• Continuing legal education funding support

Spanish proficiency, verbal and written