Removal Defense Supervising Attorney

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern Ca; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Special opportunity to join a mission‑

Flexible, hybrid work schedules

Rich medical, dental and vision

403B retirement with match

Job summary

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California seeks a Removal Defense Supervising Attorney in Los Angeles, CA to lead and supervise immigration cases, including detained matters, before EOIR and USCIS. The role involves case management and collaboration with staff, pro bono attorneys, and partners to advance client outcomes.

The position requires a J.D. and CA Bar license, travel ability, and substantial removal defense experience, with a preference for supervisory experience and a

Qualifications

• J.D. and active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. state.
• Driver’s License required for travel to meet detained individuals and for in-person immigration court appearances.
• 5+ years removal defense experience, 7+ years preferred.
• 1+ year supervisor experience preferred (may be concurrent with removal defense).
• Ability to design and implement creative service delivery models while leveraging community partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of immigration cases and own caseload.
• Supervise removal defense cases handled by staff and pro bono attorneys; attend immigration proceedings.
• Carry an active caseload of removal defense and immigration matters before EOIR, USCIS, and related proceedings.
• Travel to detention centers and immigration courts to represent clients.

Skills

Immigration law

Supervision

Policy adaptation

Community partnerships

Social justice

Education

J.D. and CA Bar

Job description

Removal Defense Supervising Attorney – Los Angeles, CA

Salary: $94,500 - $135,000 per year

Benefits

• Special opportunity to join a mission-driven team
• Flexible, hybrid work schedules
• Rich medical, dental and vision benefits
• Retirement options through 403B and match

Qualifications

• J.D. and active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. state
• Driver’s License required for regular travel to meet detained individuals and for in-person immigration court appearances
• Minimum five (5) years of removal defense experience, including detained; seven (7) years preferred
• At least one (1) year of supervisor experience preferred (may be concurrent with removal defense experience)
• Ability to design and implement creative service delivery models while effectively leveraging community partnerships and support
• At least one (1) year of experience working with vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma, and/or working with immigrant and refugee children
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequently changing circumstances, policies, and conditions affecting this dynamic work
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required

Responsibilities

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• 70% – Direct supervision of immigration cases and own caseload

  • Supervise removal defense cases handled by staff and pro bono attorneys, including detained cases, ICE check-ins, and both affirmative and defensive asylum matters
  • Collaborate with the Program Director to evaluate performance of direct reports
  • Carry an active caseload of removal defense and immigration cases, providing high-quality direct representation before EOIR, USCIS, and ancillary state proceedings as applicable
  • Represent clients in ICE custody or at ICE check‑ins, traveling to detention centers and other custodial settings
  • Prepare briefs, motions, supporting evidence, immigration applications and other documents on behalf of clients
  • Work with country conditions experts, expert witnesses, psychologists, and medical professionals to develop supporting evidence for immigration relief applications
  • Undertake administrative and logistical duties related to direct service assistance
  • Travel to offsite clinics, immigration courts, detention centers, and USCIS field offices to represent clients in immigration matters
  • Lead compliance with grant requirements by completing necessary documentation and outcomes

• 15% – Technical Assistance and Support

  • Organize and implement various immigration trainings for staff, pro bono counsel and community partners
  • Create and reinforce criteria for intake staff to review and approve appointments for immigration legal consultations, answer immigration‑related questions, and review documents
  • Plan and execute workshops and clinics

• 15% – Community Outreach and Education

  • Help develop and execute community outreach strategies for the Immigration Services Program, including how to inform appropriate responses to community needs and requests
  • Conduct outreach engagements with local community‑based organizations and partners to present information sessions on Immigration, Naturalization and Immigrant Rights
  • Alongside the Program Director, provide guidance and direct support in implementing statewide and national removal defense networks, building relationships with stakeholders and developing outreach plans
  • Other duties as assigned

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AJSOCAL, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. AJSOCAL strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or other covered persons, including interns.

All positions are subject to funding, and non‑collective bargaining unit positions are also at will.