Lead Attorney - Removal Defense

Job Description

Job Description

Why Apply to New Frontier Immigration Law

Join the New Frontier Immigration Law team and help change the lives of 1 million undocumented immigrants in the USA. Our mid-sized law firm in Phoenix, AZ is committed to humanitarian-based immigration and finding innovative solutions for seemingly impossible problems. 

Are you ready to join one of the fastest-growing law firms in the US, where incredible opportunities await? Here, we don’t just offer a job: we provide an environment that challenges you to become the best version of yourself.

• Learn more about New Frontier Immigration  here.  
• Learn more about our CEO/Founder Hillary here.
• Learn more about our Core Values here.

Role Objective

We are seeking an exceptional bilingual (English/Spanish) removal defense attorney to join our team in a role that combines high-impact advocacy with meaningful leadership. This position is designed for a lawyer who is deeply committed to defending immigrants and equally committed to excellence in litigation, strategy, and team development.

You will handle complex, high-stakes cases while helping shape a defense program that is rigorous, strategic, and uncompromising in quality.

Why This Role Matters

This is not a volume-driven role, it is a quality-driven one.

Your work will directly impact clients facing life-altering outcomes, while also shaping how a team of attorneys shows up for them.

We are building a practice that treats this work with the seriousness it deserves:
deep care for our clients, and equally high standards for how we advocate on their behalf.

Location : Phoenix or Glendale, Arizona 

Responsibilities/Duties

Deliver High-Stakes, High-Quality Advocacy

• Manage a sophisticated caseload of removal defense matters with significant consequences for clients and their families
• Represent clients in Individual and Master Calendar Hearings, bond proceedings, and appeals before the BIA
• Draft and argue complex motions, briefs, and appellate filings with precision and strategic depth
• Develop compelling case theories grounded in both law and narrative
• Prepare clients and witnesses with care, clarity, and rigor
• Take the lead on particularly complex or high-risk cases where strong advocacy is critical

Develop Talent and Raise the Bar

• Mentor and supervise 1–2 removal defense attorneys with a focus on  excellence, accountability, and growth
• Provide substantive, actionable feedback on legal writing, case strategy, and hearing preparation
• Coach attorneys to become confident, disciplined, and effective advocates
• Set a high standard for performance while investing in each attorney’s development

Strengthen a High-Performing Defense Program

• Ensure consistent, high-quality hearing coverage across all matters
• Coordinate and oversee contract or coverage attorneys, holding them to the same rigorous standards
• Step in when needed to ensure no case is underprepared or unsupported

Serve as a Strategic and Legal Leader

• Act as a trusted resource on complex issues, including criminal bars, discretionary risk, and procedural challenges
• Guide the team through urgent filings and time-sensitive matters with sound judgment
• Bring clarity and structure to difficult legal and strategic decisions

Drive Excellence and Continuous Improvement

• Uphold and reinforce high standards across all removal defense work
• Identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities to improve systems and outcomes
• Partner with leadership to build a program that is not only mission-driven but consistently excellent in execution

Success Attributes

• A strong commitment to immigrant defense and client-centered advocacy
• Demonstrated excellence in litigation, legal writing, and case strategy
• The ability to manage complex, high-pressure cases with sound judgment
• A thoughtful, direct approach to mentorship and team development
• A mindset that values both compassion and rigor

Compensation and Benefits

• $130,000-$155,000 DOE
• PTO and paid holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance package
• 401(k) with company match
  

New Frontier Immigration Law is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.