Bilingual Removal Defense Staff Attorney

Job Title: Bilingual Removal Defense Staff Attorney

Full-time (40 hrs./wk.), exempt position.

Job Location: Los Angeles County-based (Preferred location: San Fernando Valley) (Hybrid Position)

Starting Salary: $95,000

ABOUT ILDC:

The Immigrant Legal Defense Center’s (ILDC) mission is to provide equal access to justice and due process to indigent immigrants residing in the Tri-County area by providing no-cost legal representation in removal proceedings and before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and by informing immigrants of their fundamental civil rights.

Additionally, the ILDC has integrated a Case Management and Counseling program into our removal defense program to advocate for our clients’ best interests in and out of the immigration courtroom. We will provide wraparound clinical counseling and case management to address healthcare, mental health, economic hardship, food insecurity, housing, and educational needs, empowering our clients to pursue their educational and life goals.

We are a California public benefit nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status.

To find out more about the ILDC and our services, please visit our website at: sbimmigrantdefense.org

OVERVIEW:

The Removal Defense Attorney will provide limited-scope and full-scope legal representation to detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court (EOIR), USCIS, and Federal District Court. This position works closely with the organization’s Rapid Response Team, responding to enforcement actions, detention, and urgent legal needs.

The ideal candidate is a skilled, mission-driven advocate with strong litigation abilities, excellent judgment under pressure, and a deep commitment to due process and immigrant justice.

ILDC is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and offers flexible remote work options. However, in-person client meetings must be conducted at one of our ILDC offices to ensure the highest quality of service and client care.

This position will be primarily remote and will report directly to ILDC’s Supervising Senior Attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Direct Legal Representation

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, including:
  • Master calendar hearings
  • Individual merits hearings
  • Bond hearings
  • Motions to reopen, reconsider, and terminate
• Provide representation in detained and non-detained cases
• Prepare and file applications for relief, including but not limited to:
  • Asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT
  • Cancellation of removal
  • Adjustment of status
  • VAWA and SIJS-related relief (as applicable)
• Represent clients before USCIS, including affirmative filings and interviews
• Provide federal court representation, including habeas petitions and emergency filings, as assigned

Rapid Response & Enforcement Defense

• Work closely with the Rapid Response Team to respond to ICE enforcement actions, arrests, and detention
• Conduct emergency legal intakes and provide time-sensitive legal advocacy
• Coordinate with community partners, advocates, and family members during enforcement incidents

Case Management & Client Support

• Maintain a manageable caseload with attention to quality, ethics, and deadlines
• Conduct client interviews, legal screenings, and know-your-rights consultations
• Draft legal memoranda, declarations, affidavits, and supporting documentation
• Collaborate with legal assistants, paralegals, and case managers

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in legal team meetings, strategy sessions, and trainings
• Stay current on changes in immigration law, policy, and litigation trends
• Support organizational advocacy and community education efforts as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• D. and active bar admission (California state bar required).
• Driver’s License

• Advanced fluency in Spanish language required.
• At least one year of experience working with immigrants, refugees, or with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma.
• Possess some federal court representation experience is a plus, but not required.
• Experience working with law firm attorneys and/or other legal volunteers.
• Strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Experience in immigration law (nonprofit or private practice) is a plus, but not required, as we are ready and able to provide training.
• Capacity to work both collaboratively and independently.

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic
• Passion for social justice for immigrants is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to work within an office environment, have regular interactions via telephone, video, and email with partners and
• Ability to travel long distances for hearings at the Los Angeles Immigration Courts and state court hearings in Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and San Luis Obispo County.

WHAT WE OFFER:

A career at ILDC offers the opportunity to work with a team of professionals driven by our passion for defending immigrants’ rights to due process and empowering our clients to achieve their life goals. Our benefits include:

• $1,500 salary enhancement for additional qualifying languages beyond English and Spanish
• Generous PTO, plus 10 holidays and a two-week winter break
• Medical, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, dental benefits, and retirement benefits
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance Stipend
• Generous Parental & Family Leave

The Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Include “Bilingual Immigration Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Please email application materials directly to julissa@sbimmigrantdefense.org