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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

JD degree from an accredited university
Admission and good standing with a state bar, with admission to at least one federal jurisdiction
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

Working Environment

Indoor office setting with occasional outdoor exposure
Frequent use of computer, keyboard, and mouse
Moderate noise levels
Occasional travel (less than 20% of the time)

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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Immigration Staff Attorney