Detention Attorney

Position Overview

The National Immigration Project has an immediate opening for an attorney experienced in detention and habeas litigation to join our team. The attorney will litigate habeas petitions, provide mentorship and training to other attorneys, coordinate the development of pipelines for habeas referrals, and develop litigation and legal advocacy to challenge unlawful detention. The attorney will focus primarily on building and supporting habeas projects in the DMV, Louisiana and the Southeast, and other regions facing heightened enforcement. The attorney may also provide technical assistance, training, written resources, and other support to members and partners in their areas of expertise. The attorney will be a key part of our programs team and will work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that organizational and movement goals are advanced. Expertise in immigration detention and habeas litigation are required for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained immigrants, particularly ones that raise complex or novel legal theories;
• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with key partners including local rapid response groups, legal services organizations, community groups, private attorneys, and relevant bar associations;
• Train, mentor, and develop networks of attorneys who are equipped to provide habeas representation to detained immigrants and/or who can serve as local counsel in priority regions, including the DMV and Louisiana;
• Develop and maintain written resources and materials to assist attorneys representing detained immigrants in federal court;
• Represent the National Immigration Project in coalitions and collaborations with partner organizations;
• Other similar duties.

Qualifications

• Experience: 6-13 years of experience in federal litigation, legal advocacy, and movement lawyering. (Significant experience representing detained immigrants, particularly in habeas litigation, is a must.)
• Skills: Excellent federal litigation, research, writing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge: Strong familiarity with the immigration detention system.
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish or other widely spoken languages in immigrant communities is highly desirable.
• Education: J.D. or equivalent and admission to at least one state bar and one federal court, with preference for attorneys who are admitted in or willing to seek admission to Virginia or Louisiana federal courts.
• Attributes: Community-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Highly organized and self-driven.

National Immigration Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively recruits women, Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse gender and sexual identities, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated persons.

Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, and generous vacation and leave time. This is a full-time exempt union position. All National Immigration Project union staff are represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), UAW Local 2320, AFL-CIO. This position is fully remote. Periodic travel is required for in-person meetings and court appearances.

Proficiency in Spanish or other widely spoken languages in immigrant communities is highly desirable.