Detention Immigration Defense Attorney (Habeas)

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 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