Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary:
Why Apply to New Frontier Immigration Law
Join the New Frontier Immigration Law team and help change the lives of 1 million undocumented immigrants in the USA. Our mid-sized law firm is committed to humanitarian-based immigration and finding innovative solutions for seemingly impossible problems.
Are you a seasoned removal defense attorney ready to litigate, lead, and mentor while fighting for immigrants' rights? Join New Frontier Immigration Law, where we help immigrants LIVE FREE through innovative legal representation and inspirational advocacy.
- Learn more about New Frontier Immigration here
- Learn more about our CEO/Founder Hillary here
- Learn more about our Core Values here
Role Objective
Our 125-person firm seeks an experienced Lead Attorney - Removal Defense to serve as a senior litigator and first-line supervisor within our Removal Defense practice. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to remain deeply involved in litigation while building and developing a strong, consistent team. You'll maintain an active caseload while directly supervising 1-2 attorneys and coordinating hearing coverage to ensure our clients receive exceptional representation.
This is not a Senior Associate role. This is not a Managing Attorney role. It is a working lead position.
Success Attributes
- You're a seasoned removal defense litigator who thrives in court
- You're passionate about delivering exceptional client service
- You excel at mentoring and developing other attorneys
- You can step in calmly during high-pressure situations
- You maintain meticulous case notes and documentation
- You excel at legal research and writing
- You're creative in developing winning case strategies
- You demonstrate outstanding client communication skills
- You want leadership responsibility without firmwide administration
- You embody our firm's values of Inspiration, Legacy, Innovation, being Vested, and Excellence
Responsibilities
Active Removal Defense Litigation
- Maintain an active personal caseload including Individual Calendar Hearings (ICHs), Master Calendar Hearings (MCHs), bond hearings, and appeals
- Draft and review motions, briefs, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Develop case theory and litigation strategy for complex matters
- Prepare clients and family members for testimony
- Attend hearings virtually when required
- Step in on high-stakes matters where senior experience is critical
- Research and work with country conditions experts
- Liaise with government agencies including ICE, DHS, and EOIR
Supervision and Attorney Development
- Directly supervise and develop 1-2 removal defense attorneys
- Review their motions, briefs, and hearing preparation
- Coach them on litigation strategy and courtroom readiness
- Help them improve legal writing and advocacy skills
- Provide real-time guidance before hearings
- Identify strengths, gaps, and growth opportunities
Coverage and Contract Attorney Coordination
- Help identify and vet coverage or contract attorneys
- Coordinate coverage for hearings when staff attorneys are unavailable
- Ensure coverage counsel is properly briefed and prepared
- Step in yourself when coverage is unavailable or a case requires senior handling
Escalation Handling and Risk Management
- Serve as first escalation point for complex removal defense issues
- Address matters involving criminal history analysis, discretionary or credibility risks, and procedural complications
- Handle emergency filings and imminent deadlines
- Escalate issues requiring senior authority to the Legal Director with clear analysis and recommendations
Quality Control and Consistency
- Ensure removal defense work across the team meets firm standards
- Maintain strategic consistency across cases
- Surface patterns and gaps to the Legal Director for structural improvement
- Maintain meticulous case documentation using Filevine
Requirements
- Active U.S. law license in good standing
- Significant removal defense experience, including:
- EOIR practice
- Individual Calendar Hearings
- Motion practice
- Appeals and complex litigation strategy
- Habeas, mandamus experience
- Circuit Court oral arguments
- Demonstrated experience drafting motions and briefs
- Experience preparing clients and witnesses for hearings
- Prior experience supervising or mentoring other attorneys
- Strong courtroom presence and sound legal judgment
- Spanish/English bilingual preferred, not required
Location
This role is Remote (U.S.) / Hybrid optional (Travel to AZ for in person court needs)