Staff Attorney, Immigration Legal Services

The Advocates for Human Rights is a volunteer‑based, non‑governmental, non‑profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. Our work focuses on women’s rights, migrant and refugee rights, peace building, due process and freedom from persecution, and economic and social rights. We aim to bring systemic change, reinforce accountability, raise awareness, foster tolerance, and help individuals fully realize their rights.

Immigration Legal Services focuses on representing asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, and trafficking survivors in their immigration cases, supporting pro‑bono volunteers in critical work. As a Staff Attorney, you will specialize in removal defense and asylum litigation, representing and supporting volunteers who handle individuals in immigration court proceedings. Your responsibilities include removal defense cases, asylum applications, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal litigation (habeas corpus petitions and other challenges), and recruitment and mentorship of pro‑bono volunteers.

• Support volunteer attorneys in removal defense, asylum litigation, and federal immigration matters in collaboration with the Legal Director.
• Develop specialized training programs for volunteers handling complex immigration litigation.
• Review case intakes and identify cases suitable for volunteer placement or limited representation services.
• Conduct case orientation meetings with clients and volunteer attorneys, including virtual and detention facility meetings.
• Provide ongoing consultation and substantive legal support to volunteers, including guidance on trial strategy, brief writing, and appellate issues.
• Monitor volunteer attorney case progress and provide technical assistance on procedural and substantive immigration law matters.
• Maintain and update pro‑bono manuals and resources specific to removal defense, asylum litigation, and federal immigration practice.

• Provide full representation in complex removal defense and asylum cases not suitable for volunteer placement, working closely with the Legal Director.
• Handle federal immigration litigation matters, including habeas corpus petitions and other federal court challenges.
• Appear at immigration court hearings and merits hearings, including proceedings in detention facilities.
• Litigate appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Manage cases awaiting volunteer placement, ensuring continuity of representation.
• Provide targeted legal assistance to clients requiring limited‑scope representation.
• Conduct legal consultations at detention centers and other locations.
• Prepare specific pleadings, applications, or documents for clients not requiring full representation.
• Supervise program staff and interns in case support activities.

• Conduct trainings for volunteer attorneys, legal service providers, and community partners on removal defense, asylum law, and federal immigration litigation.
• Develop and deliver presentations on immigration litigation topics for legal and community audiences.
• Create and update training materials, practice advisories, and resources for pro‑bono attorneys and the in‑house legal team.
• Represent The Advocates at bar association events, CLE programs, and professional conferences.
• Build relationships with the private bar to expand pro‑bono capacity for immigration litigation matters.
• Prepare educational materials for clients and community partners on immigration court processes and legal rights.

• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings and bi‑weekly team meetings.
• Represent The Advocates on appropriate coalitions, bar association committees, and working groups.
• Support program and organization‑wide events that occur throughout the year.
• Engage with…