Deportation Defense Attorney

Ummah Jobs; Tacoma, Seattle (WA, WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with employer matching

8 weeks vacation + flexible PTO

CLE training & bar fees covered

Job summary

CAIR Washington seeks a Deportation Defense Attorney for its Immigrant Justice Project to provide direct legal representation to immigrants facing detention and removal in Washington State. Based in the Tacoma/Seattle area with primary work at NW Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, the role is a temporary contract through December 31, 2026 with renewal option.

You will focus on detention-based cases, habeas litigation, and removal proceedings, collaborating with staff and community partners to

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of deportation defense or immigration law experience.
• Experience representing detained immigrants and litigating habeas cases preferred.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Solid understanding of the U.S. immigration detention and removal system.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, clients, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained immigrants in federal court.
• Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and federal courts as needed.
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda.
• Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and records requests to support client cases.
• Maintain accurate case files, notes, and reporting data; assist with grant reporting.
• Communicate regularly with clients and families using trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches.
• Develop legal resources and written materials to assist other attorneys representing detained immigrants.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with pro bono attorneys, legal services organizations, community groups, rapid response networks, and bar associations.
• Support community education, including Know Your Rights workshops and self-advocacy materials.
• Engage in investigative work, submit records requests, and prepare legal filings.
• Build trusted relationships with affected communities and community-based organizations.

Skills

Deportation defense

Immigration law

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Job description

CAIR Washington (Council on American-Islamic Relations, Washington State Chapter) seeks a Deportation Defense Attorney for its Immigrant Justice Project. This is a temporary contract position through December 31, 2026 with renewal option. You will provide direct legal representation to immigrants facing detention and removal proceedings in Washington State, based in the Tacoma/Seattle area with primary work at Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma.

Role Overview

You’ll serve immigrants detained and facing removal, working within a fast-paced, community-centered legal environment. The position reports to CAIR-WA's Legal Director and focuses on detention-based cases with limited representation in non-detained matters. Your primary practice areas are detention law and habeas litigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained immigrants in federal court
• Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and federal courts as needed
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda
• Conduct legal research, factual investigation, and records requests to support client cases
• Maintain accurate case files, notes, and reporting data; assist with grant reporting
• Communicate regularly with clients and families using trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches
• Develop legal resources and written materials to assist other attorneys representing detained immigrants
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with pro bono attorneys, legal services organizations, community groups, rapid response networks, and bar associations
• Support community education, including Know Your Rights workshops and self-advocacy materials
• Engage in investigative work, submit records requests, and prepare legal filings
• Build trusted relationships with affected communities and community-based organizations

Qualifications & Skills Required

• 2–5+ years of deportation defense or immigration law experience
• Strong preference for experience representing detained immigrants and litigating habeas cases
• Excellent legal research, writing, and advocacy skills
• Solid understanding of the U.S. immigration detention and removal system
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, clients, and community partners

Desired

• Proficiency in Arabic, Somali, Dari, or other languages widely spoken in Washington's Muslim and immigrant communities
• Knowledge of immigration law issues affecting Muslims and their families (TRIG, CAARP, travel detention, law enforcement surveillance, visa/citizenship delays)
• Training in trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care
• Experience interacting with Muslim, immigrant, and/or refugee communities
• Familiarity with CAIR-WA's mission and work
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences (attorneys, clients, government officials, media, ESL speakers, trauma survivors, people from different cultural backgrounds)
• Adaptability to embrace new projects and maximize organizational opportunities

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $85,000–$95,000 depending on experience
• Fully covered medical and dental insurance for employee and all dependents
• 401(k) with employer matching
• 8 weeks of vacation plus flexible PTO
• Professional development including access to CAIR Legal Network mentors, CAIR National's annual legal training, and covered bar fees and continuing legal education (CLE) courses