Bilingual Removal Defense Attorney (Mandarin & English)

Law-Offices-of-Sabrina-Li; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

HSA options

Paid time off

Job summary

The Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C. seeks a Bilingual Removal Defense Attorney (Mandarin & English) in Pasadena or Santa Ana, CA. This full-time, in-person or hybrid role focuses on deportation defense and federal litigation expansion.

The attorney will manage cases, mentor staff, and contribute to a growing immigration practice. Qualified candidates are fluent in Mandarin and English, with a J.D., a U.S. bar, and at least 2 years in immigration law, including removal defense.

Qualifications

• J.D. and active U.S. bar license required.
• 2+ years immigration law experience required.
• 1+ years removal defense experience required.
• Experience handling Master Calendar & Individual Hearings independently.
• Mandarin proficiency required; authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court.
• Draft and litigate motions to reopen, reconsider, terminate, and other relief.
• Prepare and file appeals and briefs before the BIA.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies.
• Analyze records, including FOIA responses, to support cases.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings.
• Attend USCIS interviews and related proceedings as needed.

Skills

Bilingual Mandarin-English

Legal research

Advocacy & litigation

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Job Title: Bilingual Removal Defense Attorney (Mandarin & English)

Employment Type: Full-Time | In-Person or Hybrid

Locations: Pasadena, CA | Santa Ana, CA

About Us

The Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C. is a leading, full-service immigration law firm with offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Ana, and Dallas, as well as international operations. We are dedicated exclusively to immigration law — helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex legal challenges with skill, compassion, and integrity.

We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 Inc. Best Workplaces honoree, a distinction that reflects our intentional investment in our people and workplace culture. We are committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed. Our firm prioritizes professional development, clear career pathways, and a culture of accountability and respect — creating a workplace where high performers can build meaningful, long-term careers.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Mandarin-English Bilingual Immigration Attorney with a strong background in removal defense to join our team. This role focuses on immigration court litigation, including hearings, motion practice, and appeals, with removal defense forming the core of the position.

As part of our continued growth, we are also expanding our federal litigation practice. Attorneys with experience in mandamus, habeas, or APA litigation—or a demonstrated interest in developing this area—will have the opportunity to contribute to and help shape this aspect of the firm’s work.

This is a strong fit for an attorney who is confident in removal defense and interested in taking ownership of their cases while expanding into federal litigation within a supportive and structured environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Compensation, Growth Potential & Performance Incentives: We offer competitive compensation depending on experience, with additional earning potential for attorneys who take on advanced litigation work, including federal court matters. Performance-based bonuses are designed to recognize strong results and meaningful contributions. Our benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, HSA options, and paid time off.
• Practical Flexibility: While court appearances, USCIS interviews, and client meetings require in-person attendance, we offer flexibility for drafting, research, and case preparation to support productivity and work-life balance.
• High-quality, Meaningful Work: You will work on substantive removal defense cases that directly impact clients’ lives. This is not volume-driven work—our focus is on thoughtful strategy and strong advocacy.
• Leadership & Ownership: This role includes the opportunity to mentor and supervise paralegals and law clerks, take ownership of cases, and contribute to legal strategy. High-performing attorneys will play a meaningful role in shaping both case outcomes and the development of the team.
• Strong Team Support & Infrastructure: You will be supported by an experienced team and structured workflows that allow you to focus on legal work rather than administrative burden. We value efficiency, accountability, and high-quality output.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, including Master Calendar and Individual Hearings
• Draft and litigate motions to reopen, reconsider, terminate, and other post-order relief
• Prepare and file appeals and briefs before the BIA
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies
• Analyze records, including FOIA responses, to support case development
• Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings
• Appear at USCIS interviews and related proceedings as needed
• Work closely with senior attorneys and paralegals, assisting with case preparation and ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met
• Oversee case preparation and workflow, maintaining organization, accuracy, and compliance across assigned matters
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient case management and strong client service

Attorneys interested in expanding their skills may also:

• Support federal court matters under senior attorney supervision, including research and drafting for mandamus, habeas, and APA actions
• Gain exposure to federal litigation strategy and filings
• Draft complaints, motions, and briefs in federal district court

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar license
• Minimum 2 years of immigration law experience required
• Minimum 1+ years of removal defense experience (required)
• Experience handling Master Calendar and Individual Hearings independently
• Strong motion practice and appellate writing skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment under the guidance of senior attorneys
• Excellent analytical, writing, and case strategy skills
• Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin (required)
• Authorization to work in the United States (required)

If you are an experienced immigration attorney committed to excellence in advocacy, strategic thinking, and client-centered representation, we encourage you to apply.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, contacting our offices by phone regarding this position is strictly prohibited. Any phone inquiries about application status will result in automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Our hiring team carefully reviews every submission and will contact qualified candidates directly.