Immigration Litigation Staff Attorney; Removal Defense

Job Summary

The Immigration Litigation Staff Attorney is a full-time exempt position within MLFA’s Legal Division, Immigration Litigation Department. Staff Attorneys manage a complex caseload of removal defense, immigration litigation, and administrative agency matters, including proceedings before USCIS, the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and federal courts nationwide.

This role requires a licensed attorney with demonstrated expertise in removal defense and federal court litigation, including habeas petitions and emergency relief for detained clients. The position demands strong legal judgment, attention to detail, the ability to manage high‑stakes cases independently, and a commitment to advancing justice for Muslim communities impacted by national security–related immigration enforcement.

• Participate in case selection and development, including legal screenings, client consultations, factual and legal research, and evaluation of removal defense and federal litigation strategies
• Develop and implement legal strategy for removal defense matters, with a significant focus on federal court habeas petitions, TROs, and emergency filings for detained clients
• Manage a diverse, nationwide caseload of removal and deportation defense matters
• Conduct advanced legal research on statutes, regulations, policies, and case law, including BIA precedent and relevant district and circuit court decisions
• Litigate defensive asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT claims before EOIR, the BIA, and federal courts
• Draft high-quality legal pleadings, including complaints, briefs, motions, appeals, habeas petitions, and petitions for review
• Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings; compile supporting evidence; and coordinate expert testimony for individual merits hearings
• Ensure proper administrative exhaustion of claims and strict compliance with procedural and filing requirements
• Independently track and meet all internal and external deadlines
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners on public education initiatives, including articles, presentations, trainings, and informational media related to immigration law
• Assist the legal team on a variety of tasks, projects, processes, and initiatives as needed
• Collaborate with attorneys and the MLFA team to determine case strategy
• Stay up to date on changes to the law and legal practices to ensure clients receive the most accurate and current legal advice
• Attend regular staff meetings and trainings as required
• Travel as required to meet case, court, or organizational needs
• Ensure work duties are being performed in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations
• Represent MLFA’s values on a daily basis

• JD degree from an accredited university
• Admission and good standing with a state bar
• Minimum of three years of removal defense experience
• Minimum of one year of federal court litigation experience, including habeas or similar proceedings
• Advanced legal research and writing skills
• Past nonprofit experience preferred
• Experience working with marginalized or impacted communities, grassroots organizations, and non-governmental organizations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe

Apply now for consideration.

MLFA is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay:
From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Richardson, TX 75080 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Richardson, TX 75080:
  Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person