Immigration Attorney

Position Description Make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced, organized and dedicated immigration attorney to join our Community Defense Unit. This unit provides direct legal services in immigration law matters through the representation of clients in immigration court hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Court, and filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Community Defense Unit also provides immigration analysis and advice to our attorneys for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. In addition, the Community Defense Unit serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney must have a demonstrated commitment to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants as well as strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills. This position is funded for two years through a grant provided by the Spring Point Partners. The funding, and thus this position ends on October 31, 2028, unless Defenders gets continued funding.

What You’ll Do

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Court
• Represent clients at interviews before USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Conduct research and prepare legal memos and briefs for immigration clients, including affirmative filings with USCIS, CPT, ICE and U.S. Department of State
• Conduct immigration interviews and consultations, including interviews of clients in custody
• Collect and maintain data related to direct representation of clients in immigration law matters

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
• Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
• Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
• Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
• Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
• Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
• Union Membership: Law clerks and attorneys are unionized
• PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.