Immigration Removal Defense Attorney (MACI)

Committee for Public Counsel Services (Commonwealth of Massachusetts); Malden (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) seeks a Staff Attorney for the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI) in the IIU. The role focuses on removal and bond proceedings for detained and non-detained clients, before the Immigration Court, BIA, USCIS, and potentially Federal Court.

Funding comes from grants and private sources; the attorney will split time between MACI-eligible clients and individuals ineligible for MACI.

Qualifications

• Eligible to practice law in MA or another jurisdiction and qualified to practice federal immigration law.
• Access to a car to travel to courts, clients, and detention centers not easily reachable by public transit.
• Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely.
• Commitment to serving culturally diverse, low-income clients.
• Zealous advocacy for indigent clients.
• Strong legal research, writing and case management skills.
• Creative, flexible, and highly motivated; able to work independently or with others.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and maintain confidentiality.
• Second language proficiency (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, client-centered representation for detained and non-detained noncitizens in removal proceedings.
• Represent clients before Immigration Court, BIA, and Federal Court when appropriate.
• Engage in affirmative litigation and collaborate with partners and pro bono lawyers.
• Maintain a full caseload and organize case files and databases.
• Participate in MACI training and team meetings; take direction from Supervising Attorney.
• Contribute to the MACI office's standards of practice and capacity-building.
• Engage in duties as assigned within MACI and IIU.

Skills

Commitment to diverse populations

Zealous advocacy

Clinical program experience

Legal research and writing

Creative and motivated

Independent and collaborative work

Initiative under pressure

Interpersonal communication

Confidentiality and integrity

Second language proficiency (Spanish/H

Education

Massachusetts bar in good standing or eligibility to practice federally in immigration law

Automobile access for court/detention center travel

Home internet access for remote work

Job description

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) seeks a Staff Attorney for the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI) in the IIU. The role focuses on removal and bond proceedings for detained and non-detained clients, before the Immigration Court, BIA, USCIS, and potentially Federal Court.

Funding comes from grants and private sources; the attorney will split time between MACI-eligible clients and individuals ineligible for MACI.