Deportation Defense Attorney

Open role# Deportation Defense AttorneyCAIR Washington (CAIR-WA) · Tacoma / Seattle, Washington, USA (detention-based work at the Northwest Detention Center, Tacoma)Work mode: On-siteType: TemporaryField: LegalPosted: 2d agoCloses: 18 November 2026Apply on cairwa.orgCAIR Washington (Council on American-Islamic Relations, Washington State Chapter) seeks a Deportation Defense Attorney for its Immigrant Justice Project. This is a temporary contract position through December 31, 2026 with renewal option. You will provide direct legal representation to immigrants facing detention and removal proceedings in Washington State, based in the Tacoma/Seattle area with primary work at Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma. Role Overview You'll serve immigrants detained and facing removal, working within a fast-paced, community-centered legal environment. The position reports to CAIR-WA's Legal Director and focuses on detention-based cases with limited representation in non-detained matters. Your primary practice areas are detention law and habeas litigation. Key Responsibilities • Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained immigrants in federal court • Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and federal courts as needed • Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda • Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and records requests to support client cases • Maintain accurate case files, notes, and reporting data; assist with grant reporting • Communicate regularly with clients and families using trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches • Develop legal resources and written materials to assist other attorneys representing detained immigrants • Cultivate and maintain relationships with pro bono attorneys, legal services organizations, community groups, rapid response networks, and bar associations • Support community education, including Know Your Rights workshops and self-advocacy materials • Engage in investigative work, submit records requests, and prepare legal filings • Build trusted relationships with affected communities and community-based organizations Qualifications & Skills Required: • 2–5+ years of deportation defense or immigration law experience • Strong preference for experience representing detained immigrants and litigating habeas cases • Excellent 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 Desired: • Proficiency in Arabic, Somali, Dari, or other languages widely spoken in Washington's Muslim and immigrant communities • Knowledge of immigration law issues affecting Muslims and their families (TRIG, CAARP, travel detention, law enforcement surveillance, visa/citizenship delays) • Training in trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care • Experience interacting with Muslim, immigrant, and/or refugee communities • Familiarity with CAIR-WA's mission and work • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences (attorneys, clients, government officials, media, ESL speakers, trauma survivors, people from different cultural backgrounds) • Adaptability to embrace new projects and maximize organizational opportunities Compensation & Benefits • Salary: $85,000–$95,000 depending on experience • Fully covered medical and dental insurance for employee and all dependents • 401(k) with employer matching • 8 weeks of vacation plus flexible PTO • Professional development including access to CAIR Legal Network mentors, CAIR National's annual legal training, and covered bar fees and continuing legal education (CLE) courses #J-18808-Ljbffr Deen