Staff Attorney - Defense Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: 

IFSI-USA is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly motivated Staff Attorney to join its Legal Services and Advocacy  team. The Staff Attorney will provide high-quality legal representation to detained and non-detained individuals facing removal proceedings, including bond hearings, asylum claims, appeals, and other forms of immigration relief. This position requires strong legal advocacy, sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to serving low-income immigrant individuals and families experiencing detention, deportation, and family separation.

The Staff Attorney will report directly to IFSI's Supervising Attorney and work collaboratively with the organization's legal services team and other IFSI programs.

Candidates with direct experience in immigration removal defense, particularly representing individuals in detention and appearing before Immigration Courts, are strongly preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Attorney will:

• Provide client-centered legal representation to detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings, including bond hearings and other immigration matters.

• Assess cases, counsel clients, and develop individualized legal strategies and available forms of relief.

• Prepare and file asylum applications, motions, appeals, briefs, and other immigration filings, ensuring compliance with applicable deadlines.

• Represent eligible clients before Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, USCIS, and, when appropriate, federal courts.

• Maintain an active caseload with accurate, organized, and confidential case files and case management records.

• Collaborate with IFSI teams, pro bono attorneys, law schools, and external partners to coordinate client support and expand access to legal representation.

• Participate in legal clinics, Know Your Rights workshops, team meetings, case reviews, supervision, and professional development, while remaining current on changes in immigration law and policy.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

• Membership in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar or another U.S. jurisdiction, with authorization to practice federal immigration law.

• Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.

• Commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to low-income and culturally diverse immigrant populations.

• Ability to travel to immigration courts, detention centers, and other locations as required.

Qualifications and Preferred Experience

Prior experience in immigration removal defense is strongly preferred, particularly in the following areas:

• Direct representation of detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before Immigration Courts.

• Bond hearings, custody redetermination proceedings, and advocacy for release from immigration detention.

• Asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief from removal.

• Preparation of motions, legal briefs, appeals, and other immigration court filings.

• Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals and familiarity with federal immigration litigation.

• Experience working with individuals and families facing detention, deportation, or family separation.

Additional qualifications include:

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy and access to justice.

• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills.

• Ability to independently manage an active caseload while working collaboratively with colleagues.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent legal matters.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional integrity, and respect for clients.

• Proficiency in Haitian Creole, Spanish, French, or other languages spoken by immigrant communities is strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter describing their removal defense experience, prior supervisory experience, and availability for part-time supervision.