Entry Level Immigration Attorney

Entry Level Immigration Associate Attorney

Gonnella Law PC

Medford, Massachusetts | Full-time | Primarily in person

Annual salary: $70,000-$90,000, depending on relevant experience and skills

Gonnella Law, P.C. is seeking an entry-level attorney to join our growing immigration practice. We represent individuals and families in removal defense, asylum, family-based immigration, waivers, humanitarian relief, federal habeas corpus, and related litigation. We value careful legal work, honest advice, and clear communication with clients.

You will work directly with Attorney Matthew Gonnella and our paralegal and operations team. The position centers on preparing cases, developing legal arguments, and keeping assigned matters moving. As your skills develop, you will take increasing responsibility for client communication and representation, with regular supervision and feedback. Recent graduates and attorneys with up to two years of experience are encouraged to apply.

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

Our values:

Empathy. We listen without judgment and respect each client’s circumstances, concerns, and goals.

Access. We explain options in plain language and work across language barriers so clients can make informed decisions.

Responsiveness. We keep clients informed, follow through on commitments, and address questions and urgent issues promptly.

Integrity. We give candid advice, set realistic expectations, and raise mistakes or uncertainty early.

Community and teamwork. We connect clients with appropriate resources and treat colleagues with respect. Clear handoffs, shared problem-solving, and openness to feedback help us serve clients well.

Your Responsibilities:

• Take increasing responsibility for assigned matters from case planning through review, filing, client notification, and follow-up. Recommend next steps, coordinate staff assignments, and keep work moving between scheduled attorney reviews. Seek guidance when issues exceed your experience or authority.
• Research immigration law and develop practical case recommendations. Draft motions, briefs, legal memoranda, declarations, and responses to government requests, checking the record and supporting authorities carefully.
• Prepare and review USCIS and Immigration Court submissions, including applications, supporting evidence, exhibits, and filing requirements. Coordinate document collection and routine preparation with paralegals, and identify missing evidence early.
• Interview clients, help develop their factual accounts, prepare them for interviews and hearings, and explain next steps in plain language. Provide routine updates on assigned matters and document communications promptly.
• Prepare for and attend Immigration Court hearings, USCIS interviews, and other proceedings as assigned. Begin with observation and supported appearances, with responsibilities matched to experience and readiness.
• Assist with appeals, motions to reopen, detention matters, and federal litigation through research, drafting, and case preparation under attorney supervision. Court appearances require the applicable admission and authorization.
• Maintain accurate deadlines, case notes, tasks, and next actions in our case management system. Coordinate with staff, bring draft work forward in time for review, and promptly flag urgent issues or workload conflicts.
  

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission in good standing in any jurisdiction by the attorney start date. Graduates who have passed the bar and are awaiting admission are welcome to apply; attorney responsibilities begin after admission.
• Strong legal research and writing, attention to factual accuracy, and the ability to organize work around competing deadlines. Immigration clinics, internships, judicial internships, or comparable experience are valuable but not required.
• A demonstrated interest in immigration law and the ability to communicate respectfully with clients facing difficult circumstances, including through interpreters.
• Sound judgment, willingness to ask questions, receptiveness to feedback, and reliable follow-through. Comfort working with electronic files and learning case-management and filing systems.
• Spanish or Portuguese proficiency is preferred but not required. Please describe your speaking, reading, and writing abilities in your application. Ability to work primarily in person in Medford and attend assigned local proceedings is required.
  

The anticipated base salary is $70,000-$90,000 per year. This is a full-time employee position with direct mentorship and support from our paralegal and administrative team. 15 days of paid leave in addition to federal holidays.

The role is primarily in person at our Medford, Massachusetts office. Scheduling must accommodate client appointments, court obligations, and filing deadlines. 

Applicants are welcome to apply directly via Linkedin or Applicant can email with the subject line "Entry Level Associate Application" and attach a resume, a brief cover letter, and a legal writing sample of approximately 5-10 pages. Redact confidential information and explain your contribution if the sample was jointly prepared or substantially edited.

In your cover letter, include your interest in immigration law, bar admission status or expected admission date, language abilities, and earliest availability. Two professional references may be requested later in the process. xuwmhxw Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.