Lead Attorney - Removal Defense

Why Apply to New Frontier Immigration Law

Join the New Frontier Immigration Law team and help change the lives of 1 million undocumented immigrants in the USA. Our mid-sized law firm is committed to humanitarian-based immigration and finding innovative solutions for seemingly impossible problems.

Are you a seasoned removal defense attorney ready to litigate, lead, and mentor while fighting for immigrants' rights? Join New Frontier Immigration Law, where we help immigrants LIVE FREE through innovative legal representation and inspirational advocacy.

Learn more about New Frontier Immigration here

Learn more about our CEO/Founder Hillary here

Learn more about our Core Values here

Immigration Law here

Role Objective

Our firm is seeking an experienced Lead Attorney - Removal Defense to serve as a senior litigator and first-line supervisor within our Removal Defense practice. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to remain deeply involved in litigation while building and developing a strong, consistent team. You'll maintain an active caseload while directly supervising 1-2 attorneys and coordinating hearing coverage to ensure our clients receive exceptional representation.

This is not a Senior Associate role. This is not a Managing Attorney role. It is a working lead position.

Success Attributes

You're a seasoned removal defense litigator who thrives in court

You're passionate about delivering exceptional client service

You excel at mentoring and developing other attorneys

You can step in calmly during high-pressure situations

You maintain meticulous case notes and documentation

You excel at legal research and writing

You're creative in developing winning case strategies

You demonstrate outstanding client communication skills

You want leadership responsibility without firmwide administration

You embody our firm's values of Inspiration, Legacy, Innovation, being Vested, and Excellence

Responsibilities

Active Removal Defense Litigation

Maintain an active personal caseload including Individual Calendar Hearings (ICHs), Master Calendar Hearings (MCHs), bond hearings, and appeals

Draft and review motions, briefs, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals

Develop case theory and litigation strategy for complex matters

Prepare clients and family members for testimony

Attend hearings virtually when required

Step in on high-stakes matters where senior experience is critical

Research and work with country conditions experts

Liaise with government agencies including ICE, DHS, and EOIR

Supervision and Attorney Development

Directly supervise and develop 1-2 removal defense attorneys

Review their motions, briefs, and hearing preparation

Coach them on litigation strategy and courtroom readiness

Help them improve legal writing and advocacy skills

Provide real-time guidance before hearings

Identify strengths, gaps, and growth opportunities

Coverage and Contract Attorney Coordination

Help identify and vet coverage or contract attorneys

Coordinate coverage for hearings when staff attorneys are unavailable

Ensure coverage counsel is properly briefed and prepared

Step in yourself when coverage is unavailable or a case requires senior handling

Escalation Handling and Risk Management

Serve as first escalation point for complex removal defense issues

Address matters involving criminal history analysis, discretionary or credibility risks, and procedural complications

Handle emergency filings and imminent deadlines

Escalate issues requiring senior authority to the Legal Director with clear analysis and recommendations

Quality Control and Consistency

Ensure removal defense work across the team meets firm standards

Maintain strategic consistency across cases

Surface patterns and gaps to the Legal Director for structural improvement

Maintain meticulous case documentation using Filevine

Requirements

Active U.S. law license in good standing

Significant removal defense experience, including:

EOIR practice

Individual Calendar Hearings

Motion practice

Appeals and complex litigation strategy

Habeas, mandamus experience

Circuit Court oral arguments

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Demonstrated experience drafting motions and briefs

Experience preparing clients and witnesses for hearings

Prior experience supervising or mentoring other attorneys

Strong courtroom presence and sound legal judgment

Spanish/English bilingual preferred, not required

Location

Glenadle, AZ or Remote Hybrid - U.S. (Travel to AZ for in person court needs)