Newark, NJ | Full-Time | Hybrid | $80,000–$95,000 + Performance & Business Development Incentives
What we do and why we do it
Compass Immigration Law is a young and growing immigration law firm based in Newark, New Jersey. We represent individuals, families, and businesses in removal defense, family-based, humanitarian, and employment-based immigration matters. We have the privilege — and the responsibility — of helping our clients navigate some of the most consequential moments of their lives. We take that responsibility seriously, we fight for our clients and we take pride and ownership in the work that carries our name.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an Associate Attorney to join us. This is an important hire for us. We are looking for someone who is passionate about immigration law and helping immigrants, but who also wants to help us build something meaningful.
As such, there are a few things we care about deeply:
- Taking ownership: If something is yours, own it. Follow through. Be proactive, but ask for help when you need it - if you see a problem coming, raise it before it becomes an emergency.
- Care about the quality of your work: We are not an “immigration mill,” nor do we want to be. Rather, we pride ourselves in doing quality work.
- Be hungry: We want someone who actually wants to be an excellent immigration lawyer. Someone curious. Someone who wants the hearing, wants to understand the difficult issue, asks questions, researches, learns, and gets better.
- Be coachable — and coach us too: You will receive feedback here, but we also welcome yours. If your last firm did something better than we do, tell us. If we can improve our processes, tell us how. If you have a better idea, make the argument. We don't care whose idea wins. We care whether the firm gets better.
- Have each other's backs: We are a team. If someone is drowning, we help. If you make a mistake, say something. If someone else needs help, step in when you can. We protect our clients, our work, our reputation, and each other.
In other words, if you're looking for a place where you can clock in, clear your assignments, and disappear, we're probably not the right firm for you. But if you care deeply about being an excellent lawyer, helping immigrants, and joining a young firm and helping build it, then we should talk.
What else we want from you
- J.D. from an accredited law school;
- Active bar admission and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction – New Jersey preferred;
- Fluency in Spanish;
- 0 to 2 years of immigration law experience as an attorney. While prior immigration law experience is strongly preferred. Nonetheless, we are willing to consider a less experienced candidate who demonstrates exceptional judgment, initiative, writing ability, and a genuine commitment to immigration law.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines reliably;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Genuine interest in immigration law and the people we represent.
What You'll Do
Depending on your experience, your responsibilities will eventually include:
- Represent clients before EOIR in removal and bond proceedings, including developing case strategy, preparing legal briefs, motions, and evidentiary submissions, preparing clients and witnesses for testimony, and appearing at hearings;
- Prepare petitions, applications, and represent clients before USCIS;
- Research complex immigration issues and developments in immigration law;
- Communicate directly with clients and keep them informed about their cases;
- Work closely with paralegals and other team members to move cases forward accurately and efficiently;
- Monitor deadlines and take ownership of assigned matters;
- Help improve the firm's processes, SOPs, technology, and workflows; and
- Conduct consultations with prospective clients.
Schedule and Flexibility.
This is a full-time professional position, not a clock-in/clock-out environment. The position is hybrid, and we offer meaningful flexibility when your responsibilities permit it. We believe that flexibility works both ways. At the same time, immigration law does not always operate on a perfect schedule. Court appearances, filing deadlines, detained matters, client emergencies, or other case needs may occasionally require work outside normal business hours or on weekends.
Why Join Compass?
- Meaningful work. The cases we handle matter. You will represent people whose families, freedom, businesses, or ability to remain in the United States may depend on the work we do.
- Increasing responsibility. As your skills grow, so can your position within the firm.
- A voice in the firm. We want your ideas. If you learned something at another firm that we should be doing, tell us. If one of our systems does not work, challenge it. If you see an opportunity, bring it to us. We want you to grow and we want your help growing the firm.
- Hybrid flexibility. Work from home when it makes sense, be there in person when it’s needed.
- Financial upside. We want people who contribute to the growth of the firm to participate in that growth – in addition to the anticipated base salary, you'll have the opportunity to earn additional compensation based on performance and business development.
Compensation
The anticipated base salary for this position is $80,000–$95,000, based on qualifications.
In addition to base compensation, you will have opportunities to earn additional compensation through:
- Performance-based bonuses recognizing exceptional legal work, reliability, client service, initiative, teamwork, and meaningful contributions to the firm; and
- Business development incentives for matters personally originated by the Associate and retained by the firm.
We believe that if you help grow the firm, you should participate financially in that growth.
To apply
Send us your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the position at agiordano@thecompassfirm.com.
Compass Immigration Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
