Senior Immigration Attorney – Deportation Defense Lead

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (Clinic)

Albuquerque (NM)

Hybrid

USD 76,808 - 104,052

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Flexible spending account (FSA)

Life insurance & disability insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) is seeking a Senior Attorney to join the Deportation Defense Team in Albuquerque. You will lead high‑volume immigration cases, including asylum, detention defense, and appeals, and supervise junior attorneys and legal staff.

You will collaborate with partners to coordinate community outreach, provide KYR information, and advocate for fair treatment in proceedings.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
Active membership in any state bar.
Minimum of four years of immigration law experience.
One year of supervisory experience preferred.
Commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, social justice, and assisting crime victims.
Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally-competent legal assistance to crime victims/survivors.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Strong skills in legal research, analysis, and writing.

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 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.