Senior Attorney

Jobtailor; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

NMILC seeks an experienced immigration attorney to represent individuals in non-detained and detained removal proceedings, asylum filings, and related immigration matters.

The role includes supervising NMILC attorneys and staff, developing pro se materials, and strengthening referral networks with partner organizations. Must be bilingual, with a JD and 3+ years of immigration practice, and a commitment to public interest and trauma-informed service to crime victims.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in any state bar.
• Minimum of three years of immigration law experience, with high-volume practice preferred (asylum, SIJS, removal defense, appeals).
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish), written and verbal.
• Commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, and crime victims.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent legal assistance.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong research and writing abilities.
• Ability to negotiate professionally with opposing counsel.

Responsibilities

• Represent individuals in removal proceedings and asylum filings.
• Develop pro se materials and systems for non-detained NM residents.
• Conduct legal consultations for individuals in ICE custody.
• Represent detained non-citizens in removal processes and habeas proceedings.
• Supervise and mentor NMILC attorneys and staff.
• Coordinate referrals with partner organizations like Immigrant Justice Corps and ACLU-NM.
• Participate in rapid-response and community clinics with KYR information.

Skills

Bar admission

Immigration law

Supervisory experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

Public interest

Trauma-informed care

Legal research

Writing skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Job description

Responsibilities

• Represent individuals in non-detained removal proceedings with EOIR and affirmative filings with USCIS, including asylum applications and work permit applications.
• Develop pro se materials and systems to support non-detained New Mexicans in removal proceedings.
• Conduct legal consultations for individuals in ICE custody at the Torrance County Detention Facility and the Cibola County Correctional Center regarding their immigration options.
• Represent detained non-citizens in removal proceedings and bond hearings in front of EOIR, appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and habeas corpus proceedings in the Western District of Texas and the District of New Mexico.
• Supervise and/or mentor some NMILC attorneys taking on non-detained removal cases, particularly for representation on the merits.
• Supervise legal assistants and volunteers, both at detention center visits and in individual case matters.
• Strengthen referral networks by coordinating case referrals with other organizations (e.g., Immigrant Justice Corps, ACLU-NM).
• Participate in rapid-response and community legal clinics during times of increased enforcement activity, offering Know Your Rights (KYR) information and orientation for families of detained individuals.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in any state bar.
• Minimum of three years of immigration law experience, with high volume practice ideally including crime victim visas, asylum, SIJS, removal defense, and appeals.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish), both written and verbal.
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, social justice issues, and desire to assist crime victims.
• Commitment to NMILC’s internal organizational values.
• The ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally-competent legal assistance to crime victims/survivors.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong skills in legal research, analysis, and writing.
• Ability to interact professionally and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel.
• The ability to work collaboratively with different program staff and partner organizations to further develop community relationships and facilitate holistic and wraparound services.