Staff Attorney; Immigration Rapid Response

Overview

Brief Description Immigrant Defenders Law Center (Imm Def) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Imm Def was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal.

Imm Def represents thousands of adults, children and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system. Learn more about us def.org.

Imm Def is seeking multiple Staff Attorneys to join a dedicated Rapid Response team providing urgent, high-impact legal services under the Trump administration. This team will respond to immediate community needs, such as immigration raids and the detention of migrants, by providing critical and time-sensitive legal support. Services will focus on short-term, emergency interventions rather than full-scope removal defense. Attorneys will handle matters such as bond motions, motions to reopen, stays of removal, habeas petitions, credible fear representation, and other urgent filings to protect vulnerable migrants.

This is a fast-paced and high-impact role for attorneys passionate about defending immigrant rights and providing swift advocacy during moments of crisis. Staff attorneys will be joining the largest non-profit, universal representation model deportation defense team in the state of California. Our attorneys work collaboratively within our team of staff including managing and directing attorneys, paralegals, administrative support staff and case managers to provide client-centered, holistic representation.

• Provide high-quality, client-centered representation for clients facing deportation proceedings.
• Rapidly assess and respond to the immediate legal needs of detained migrants or those impacted by raids or other enforcement actions.
• File emergency motions, such as bond motions, stays of removal, or motions to reopen, habeas petitions, etc. within short time frames.
• Represent individuals in expedited immigration hearings or interviews (e.g., credible fear or reasonable fear interviews).
• Frequent travel to ICE detention centers and other custodial settings to interview clients, assess legal options, and provide urgent legal advice.
• Draft declarations, prepare legal filings, and gather supporting evidence.
• Provide "Know Your Rights" presentations and consultations during rapid response actions.
• Coordinate with community-based organizations, legal service providers, and advocacy groups to respond to enforcement actions.
• Participate in rapid response networks and collaborate with other attorneys and organizers to address urgent community needs.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and participate in weekly group case review, on-site trainings and provide supervision for support staff’s legal work.
• Support Imm Def’s overall mission by working closely with colleagues and Imm Def leadership on various initiatives through community engagement, peer mentoring and event participation.
• Other duties as assigned by Imm Def leadership.

• Juris Doctorate;
• Active California State Bar License or licensure from another state and, if required, eligibility and willingness to "waive into" the CA Bar via the Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Program;
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;
• Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure;
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required.

• Experience with the following forms of immigration cases is helpful: asylum/WOR/CAT, special immigrant juvenile status (child custody/family court/guardianship), cancellation, waivers, adjustment of status, immigration consequences of criminal convictions, bond, humanitarian parole, post-conviction relief, habeas petitions, BIA appeals, motions to reopen, naturalization.
• Experience in immigration law (non-profit or private practice) is a plus, but not required as we are ready and able to…