Role Objective
We are seeking an exceptional bilingual (English/Spanish) removal defense attorney to join our team in a role that combines high-impact advocacy with meaningful leadership. This position is designed for a lawyer who is deeply committed to defending immigrants and equally committed to excellence in litigation, strategy, and team development.
You will handle complex, high-stakes cases while helping shape a defense program that is rigorous, strategic, and uncompromising in quality.
Why This Role Matters.
This is not a volume-driven role, it is a quality-driven one.
Your work will directly impact clients facing life-altering outcomes, while also shaping how a team of attorneys shows up for them.
We are building a practice that treats this work with the seriousness it deserves:
deep care for our clients, and equally high standards for how we advocate on their behalf.
Location*: Phoenix or Glendale, Arizona
Responsibilities/Duties*
Deliver High-Stakes, High-Quality Advocacy.
- Manage a sophisticated caseload of removal defense matters with significant consequences for clients and their families
- Represent clients in Individual and Master Calendar Hearings, bond proceedings, and appeals before the BIA
- Draft and argue complex motions, briefs, and appellate filings with precision and strategic depth
- Develop compelling case theories grounded in both law and narrative
- Prepare clients and witnesses with care, clarity, and rigor
- Take the lead on particularly complex or high-risk cases where strong advocacy is critical
Develop Talent and Raise the Bar.
- Mentor and supervise 1–2 removal defense attorneys with a focus on excellence, accountability, and growth
- Provide substantive, actionable feedback on legal writing, case strategy, and hearing preparation
- Coach attorneys to become confident, disciplined, and effective advocates
- Set a high standard for performance while investing in each attorney’s development
Strengthen a High-Performing Defense Program.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality hearing coverage across all matters
- Coordinate and oversee contract or coverage attorneys, holding them to the same rigorous standards
- Step in when needed to ensure no case is underprepared or unsupported
Serve as a Strategic and Legal Leader.
- Act as a trusted resource on complex issues, including criminal bars, discretionary risk, and procedural challenges
- Guide the team through urgent filings and time-sensitive matters with sound judgment
- Bring clarity and structure to difficult legal and strategic decisions
Drive Excellence and Continuous Improvement.
- Uphold and reinforce high standards across all removal defense work
- Identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities to improve systems and outcomes
- Partner with leadership to build a program that is not only mission-driven but consistently excellent in execution
Success Attributes.
- A strong commitment to immigrant defense and client-centered advocacy
- Demonstrated excellence in litigation, legal writing, and case strategy
- The ability to manage complex, high-pressure cases with sound judgment
- A thoughtful, direct approach to mentorship and team development
- A mindset that values both compassion and rigor
Compensation and Benefits.
- Base: $130,000-$155,000 (DOE)
- PTO.
- Paid Holidays.
- Healthcare Options.
- Professional Development Support.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
