Deportation Defense Attorney

Job type: Temporary contract through December 31st, 2026, with theoptionto renew Location: CAIR Washington (CAIR-WA),Tacoma / Seattle, WA (Detention-based work at NWDC) Reports to: CAIR-WA’sLegal Director CAIR Washington (CAIR-WA) is seeking a Deportation Defense Attorney to join our Immigrant Justice Project and provide direct legal representation to immigrants facing detention and removal in Washington State. This role focuses on defending individuals detained at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, including habeas litigation and removal defense, with limited representation in non-detained cases. The ideal candidate is a public-interest attorney committed to immigrant and civil rights advocacy and comfortable working in a fast-paced, community-centered legal environment. Practice Areas Detention and habeas litigation Responsibilities Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained immigrants. Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with key partners including local rapid response groups, legal services organizations, community groups, private attorneys, and relevant bar associations. Develop and maintain written resources and materials to assist attorneys representing detained immigrants in federal court. Provide direct legal representation to detained immigrants, including litigating habeas petitions in federal court. Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, on appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and as needed before federal courts and DHS. Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda. Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and records requests. Work closely with pro bono and low-bono attorneys, community partners, and rapid response networks. Maintain accurate case files, notes, and reporting data; assist with grant reporting requirements. Communicate regularly with clients and families using a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach. Develop legal resources and tools for attorneys representing detained immigrants. Support community education efforts, including Know Your Rights and self-advocacy materials, as assigned. Engage in investigative work, submit records requests, and prepare legal filings. Build and maintain trusted relationships with affected communities, community-based organizations, local immigration attorneys, and other stakeholders. Qualifications 2–5+ years of deportation defense experience, with a strong preference for experience representing detained immigrants and litigating habeas cases. Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills. Solid understanding of the U.S. immigration detention and removal system. Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, clients, and community partners. Skills and Abilities Passion for–and well-articulated knowledge of –immigration law and providing direct services to immigration clients. Familiarity with the work and mission of CAIR-WA. Strong familiarity with the immigration detention system. Languages: Proficiency in Arabic, Somali, Dari or other widely spoken languages in our communities is highly desirable. Adaptability to embrace and navigate new, dynamic projects, and the ability to recognize and maximize opportunities on behalf of the organization. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including attorneys, clients and other non-legal audiences, community groups, government officials, media, ESL speakers, trauma survivors, and people from different cultural backgrounds. Training in trauma-informed culturally sensitive care and experience interacting with Muslim, immigrant, and/or refugee communities is a plus. Legal knowledge and experience with common immigration law and immigrant rights issues impacting Muslims and their families, including but not limited to TRIG issues, CAARP issues and other visa/citizenship delays, travel detention, law enforcement surveillance, etc. Compensation Thesalary range is between $85,000-95,000, depending upon experience. Generous benefits package includes fully covered medical and dental insurance for the new hire as well as all dependents, 401(k)with employer matching, and 8 weeks of vacation and flex PTO. CAIR-WA is invested in the professional development of its staff. The hire will have access to mentors through the CAIR Legal Network and will attend an annual legal training held by CAIR National. CAIR-WA will cover attorney bar fees and CLE courses. #J-18808-Ljbffr Council on American-Islamic Relation