Staff Attorney I (Removal Defense)

Provide high-quality, client-centered immigration legal representation to individuals and families in

removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and other

relevant agencies.

• Work under the overall supervision of the Senior Division Director and the day-to-day supervision and

mentorship of the Managing Attorney.

Conduct legal consultations, screenings, and intakes to evaluate potential forms of immigration relief

and determine eligibility for representation.

• Represent clients in all stages of removal defense proceedings, including master calendar hearings,

individual merits hearings, bond hearings, and appellate matters.

• Prepare, file, and litigate affirmative and defensive asylum applications and related humanitarian forms

of relief.

• Conduct client and witness interviews; gather evidence; prepare declarations, country conditions

documentation, expert evidence, and supporting exhibits.

• Research, draft, and file motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and other advocacy documents before the

Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, federal agencies, and federal courts, as appropriate.

• Prepare and file bond requests, custody redetermination materials, and related detention advocacy

filings.

• Assist with and, when appropriate, litigate federal habeas corpus petitions and related federal court

matters challenging unlawful immigration detention.

• Represent eligible clients pursuing cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, waivers, and other

forms of immigration relief available in removal proceedings.

• Prepare clients for testimony and effectively advocate on their behalf during hearings, interviews, and

other appearances.

• Collaborate closely with attorneys, accredited representatives, legal assistants, case managers, and

external partners to develop case strategy and ensure high-quality representation.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case files, case notes, client records, and documentation in

accordance with program, grant, ethical, and organizational requirements.

• Complete all required data collection, reporting, invoicing, and administrative requirements associated

with removal defense grants, contracts, and organizational initiatives.

• Monitor legal developments in immigration law and participate in trainings, strategic planning, and

professional development opportunities.

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate services to clients from

diverse backgrounds.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable ethical obligations, funding requirements,

organizational policies, and legal practice standards.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Division Director and Managing

Attorney.

At IILA, we believe that providing exceptional legal services to immigrants and refugees begins with supporting

the people who do that work. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven

workplace where attorneys can grow professionally, receive meaningful mentorship, and maintain a healthy

work-life balance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

*100% employer-paid Medical, Dental HMO, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Basic Life

and AD&D insurance.

• Optional enrollment in Voluntary Life, Accident, Hospitalization, Critical Illness, and Long -Term

Disability insurance plans.

• Up to five (5) weeks of Paid Time Off annually.
• Eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) personal day each year.
• Hybrid work schedule, with two days per week remote and three days per week in the office.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a Safe Harbor Match, including dollar -for-dollar employer matching up to 4% of employee contributions.
• Annual profit-sharing contributions (subject to plan terms and vesting requirements).

At just 37.5 hours per week, our standard workweek reflects our belief that effective advocacy requires

balance and sustainability. We understand that the work can be demanding, and we strive to create an

environment where employees can be successful while maintaining fulfilling lives outside of work.

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred.