Immigration Attorney

Partners Legal Search; Virginia; On-site; USD 96,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Profit sharing

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Remote work option for illness

Job summary

Partners Legal Search is seeking an immigration attorney in Virginia with removal defense and humanitarian immigration experience to manage a diverse caseload and represent clients before Immigration Court and USCIS.

The role requires J.D. from an accredited law school, active U.S. bar, and fluency in English and Spanish, with 2–5+ years of practice. Strong advocacy, research, writing, and client-management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Bar membership in good standing in the United States.
• Full professional fluency in Spanish and English, written and spoken.
• 2–5+ years of immigration law experience.
• Strong background in removal defense, humanitarian immigration, and family-based matters.
• Substantial immigration court experience with bond hearings and merits hearings.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent client communication and relationship management abilities.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload and make sound legal judgments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal and deportation proceedings before Immigration Court.
• Develop litigation strategies and draft motions, briefs, and supporting documentation.
• Represent clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, CAT, and related humanitarian relief.
• Prepare humanitarian applications including U visas, T visas, VAWA, SIJS, and TPS.
• Handle family-based petitions and adjustment of status filings.
• Counsel Spanish- and English-speaking clients on immigration options and risks.
• Prepare declarations and evidence submissions; coordinate with staff.
• Independently manage cases from intake through resolution with client communication.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Client communication

Independent caseload management

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

What You’ll Be Working On

The attorney will manage a diverse immigration caseload involving litigation, humanitarian relief, and proceedings before Immigration Court and USCIS.

Key responsibilities include:

Immigration Court Representation

• Represent clients in removal and deportation proceedings.
• Appear at Master Calendar Hearings, bond hearings, and Individual Merits Hearings.
• Develop litigation strategies and prepare clients for immigration proceedings.
• Draft motions, legal briefs, and supporting documentation.

Humanitarian Immigration

• Represent clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
• Handle cancellation of removal matters.
• Prepare humanitarian immigration applications involving U visas, T visas, VAWA, SIJS, and Temporary Protected Status.

Family-Based Immigration & USCIS Matters

• Handle family-based petitions and adjustment of status applications.
• Prepare waiver applications and related immigration filings.
• Represent clients in proceedings before USCIS.
• Develop case strategies and manage matters through resolution.

Client Counseling & Case Management

• Independently manage assigned cases and client relationships.
• Advise Spanish- and English-speaking clients regarding immigration options, legal risks, and case strategy.
• Prepare declarations, evidence submissions, and other supporting materials.
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to deliver high-quality legal representation.

What We’re Looking For

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Bar membership in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Full professional fluency in Spanish and English, both written and spoken, is required.
• 2–5+ years of immigration law experience preferred.
• Strong background in removal defense, humanitarian immigration, and family-based matters.
• Substantive Immigration Court experience, particularly independently handling bond hearings and Individual Merits Hearings.
• Experience preparing asylum applications, motions, and other immigration litigation documents.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Excellent client communication and relationship-management abilities.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload and make sound legal judgments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Genuine commitment to representing individuals and families navigating complex immigration matters.

This opportunity is best suited for attorneys with removal defense and humanitarian immigration experience rather than attorneys whose practice is primarily business immigration.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Base Salary: Up to $160,000

In addition to a competitive base salary, the firm offers a retirement and profit-sharing program that stands out among smaller immigration practices.

Retirement Benefits (Available After One Year of Service)

Firm-Funded Cash Balance Pension

• Funded entirely by the employer.
• Guaranteed 5% annual return under the plan.
• Fully vested after three years.

Profit-Sharing Program

• Potential profit-sharing contributions of up to 25% of annual salary, depending on firm performance.

401(k) Matching

• Employer matching contributions of up to 5% of salary, based on the plan’s matching formula.

Investment Flexibility

• Access to a Charles Schwab brokerage account with investment options including stocks, bonds, ETFs, and CDs.
• Employee contribution of just $50 per paycheck.
• Spouse and dependent children included at no additional premium cost.
• 15 days of paid time off annually.
• Unlimited sick leave.
• Option to work remotely when sick, when appropriate.
• All federal holidays.
• Additional paid holidays for Christmas Eve and the Friday following Thanksgiving.
• Independently manage cases from initial consultation through resolution.
• Take ownership of legal strategy and client communication.
• Work directly with founding partners.
• Contribute ideas and participate in the continued development of the practice.

The firm utilizes technology to reduce repetitive administrative responsibilities and improve client communication.

Automated case updates help minimize routine status inquiries, allowing attorneys to dedicate more time to substantive legal work and client advocacy.

• Up to $500 annually toward continuing legal education and bar association dues.
• Opportunities to expand litigation experience and develop professional expertise.
• Direct access to firm leadership and experienced immigration practitioners.

The practice offers a professional, collaborative environment where attorneys can develop meaningful client relationships and contribute to a growing team.

Build a Practice Where Your Work Makes an Impact

This opportunity offers more than a traditional associate position. It provides the chance to develop your courtroom advocacy skills, independently manage meaningful cases, and participate in the growth of an established immigration practice.

For attorneys passionate about removal defense and humanitarian immigration, the combination of competitive compensation, exceptional retirement benefits, substantial case responsibility, and professional growth makes this an opportunity worth exploring.