Position Summary

As a Litigation Associate, you will represent clients in immigration court, conduct legal research, prepare filings and briefs, coordinate with clients, and handle court appearances and hearings. You will assist partners and senior attorneys in case strategy, fact-finding, and motions practice. The role involves substantial in-office presence and travel, and demands effective client representation under time-sensitive conditions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Represent clients in immigration court, asylum interviews, ICE check-ins, master calendar hearings, individual hearings, bond hearings, and related proceedings.
Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, responses, appeals, and other court documents.
Conduct legal research regarding immigration law, regulations, and case law; stay current on relevant legal developments.
Collect and analyze evidence, including affidavits, witness statements, medical records, country condition reports, etc.
Counsel clients, prepare them for hearings/interviews, coordinate translation or interpreters as needed.
Coordinate with partners / supervising attorneys on case strategy, timelines, deadlines.
Travel and lodging as required for early morning court appearances outside of the Philadelphia metro area.
Keep accurate case files, billing and time entries, and client communication logs.

Work Conditions & Requirements

Full-time, in-office role. You must regularly attend the office and be physically present for most court appearances and hearings.
Travel required for hearings, interviews, or court dates outside Philadelphia metro area — including overnight stays when needed.
Flexibility required: Court schedules can change, early morning or late travel may be required.
Use of firm travel policy for reimbursement of travel, lodging, meals when away from home city.

Performance Expectations

Demonstrated ability to reliably represent clients in court / hearings on assigned dates.
Timely submission of documents, drafts, filings.
Good case communication: client updates, coordination with attorneys and support staff.
Adherence to firm policies (attendance, travel, billing, conduct, confidentiality).

Qualifications & Skills

REQUIRED: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in any State or Commonwealth of the U.S.
Prior litigation or immigration court experience preferred but not required.
Strong legal writing and analytical skills; ability to prepare motions and briefs.
Excellent client-communication skills; empathy, patience, ability to explain complex legal processes.
Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple cases and deadlines, travel for court appearances.
Detail-oriented, well-organized, with ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment, adjust to changing court schedules.
Language skills a plus (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, etc.), but NOT required. The firm encourages and provides opportunities for language development.

Hogan & Vandenberg LLC

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