Immigration Attorney

Division/Department: Immigration Unit

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief of Immigration Unit

Job Summary

The Immigration Unit at the Defender Association of Philadelphia provides direct legal services in immigration law matters through the representation of clients in immigration court hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Court, and filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Immigration Unit also provides immigration analysis and advice to Defender Association attorneys for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. In addition, the Immigration Unit serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney must have a demonstrated commitment to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants as well as strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills. 

Major Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Court

• Represent clients at interviews before USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• Conduct research and prepare legal memos and briefs for immigration clients, including affirmative filings with USCIS, CPT, ICE and U.S. Department of State

• Conduct immigration interviews and consultations, including interviews of clients in custody

• Consult directly with Defender Association trial attorneys and staff representing immigration clients in criminal court

• Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff

• Serve as an office resource for immigration-related questions

• Collect and Maintain data related to direct representation of clients in immigration law matters

Required Skills / Experience

• Juris Doctorate Degree required; Admission to PA Bar required.

• Admission to practice in the Federal Courts required. 

• At least three (3) years of experience representing individuals in removal proceedings and before USCIS, preferred. 

• Fluency in Spanish, preferred.

• Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, required.

• Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams

• Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May have to lift up to 15 pounds
• Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

This position as an Immigration Attorney is funded by a sub-award contract with Nationalities Services Center. The funding, and thus this position ends on June 30, 2026, unless the Nationalities Services Center and/or the Defenders gets continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above job description in its entirety and am capable of performing all of the stated requirements.