Litigation Attorney or Senior Attorney

Job posted by: Americans for Immigrant Justice 

Job description 

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) seeks an Attorney or Senior Attorney in its Litigation Department to assist with individual and class action lawsuits in federal court. AI Justice’s Litigation Program focuses on a wide range of ground-breaking civil rights and civil liberties cases in federal court in Florida and around the U.S. AI Justice continues to be on the front lines of many of the current immigration battles. Because of its direct representation of unaccompanied children, separated families, asylum seekers in detention and other immigrants facing removal AI Justice is in the unique position to learn first-hand of the plight of immigrants and to remedy the injustices that they face. As an active participant in the current immigration climate, AI Justice provides a vibrant practice environment for attorneys involved with direct legal services to immigrants.  AI Justice is particularly interested in candidates with federal court experience and a passion for contemporary immigration issues.   

Specific Responsibilities: 

·      Assist with federal litigation preparing pleadings, motions, and briefs; conducting discovery; presenting oral arguments.

·      Engage in pre-litigation analysis, including evaluating and following up on intakes; conducting factual investigations and legal analyses; utilizing the Freedom of Information Act; and drafting demand letters. 

·      Collaborate with attorneys in other AI Justice Departments, including Detention, Children’s Legal Program, Lucha Program and Family Defense Program to identify systematic problems in direct services work and assist in developing in litigation strategies.  

·      Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations, and participate in coalitions and other groups to assist in developing litigation strategies related to immigrant rights.

·      Keep up to date on and analyze legal and policy developments related to immigrant justice. 

·      Communicate regularly with clients, co-counsel, and partner organizations. 

·      Establish contacts and relationships with courts, bar, associations, other legal services programs, legislative bodies, governmental agencies, community organizations, and low income groups. 

·      Oversee data upkeep and accuracy by supervisee to ensure accurate data reporting. 

·      Other duties as needed or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

·      Membership in good standing with the Florida Bar strongly preferred.

·      Minimum of 2 years of experience with federal court litigation, including developing cases, conducting discovery, and participating in evidentiary proceedings.

·      Experience in immigration law strongly preferred.

·      A demonstrated ability to advocate effectively, including an ability to initiate and follow through on public interest litigation.

·      Self-motivated and an ability to work collaboratively.

·      Excellent writing, research, analytical, and communication skills.

·      Enthusiastic about and committed to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomical backgrounds. A demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.  

·      Fluency in written and oral Spanish preferred. 

Location: Strong preference for candidate to be based in Florida. Position eligible for remote, work from home, hybrid, or in-office designation in accordance with AI Justice Job Classification Policy. 

Application deadline: Open until filled. 

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with years of experience. AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, and dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. Tri-Rail discount commuter benefit and $50/month cell phone stipend to off-set communication expenses. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan with increase eligibility thereafter.

How to apply: AI Justice is an EOE/AA employer, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups. We value strength in diversity and inclusion within our office and are actively working towards providing an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment free from discrimination for all.

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and references careers@aijustice.org. Please write LITIGATION ATTORNEY in the subject line.  

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview. 

AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, and dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. Tri-Rail discount commuter benefit and $50/month cell phone stipend to off-set communication expenses. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan with increase eligibility thereafter.