Lead Attorney - Removal Defense

Role Objective

We are seeking an exceptional removal defense attorney to join our team in a role that combines high-impact advocacy with meaningful leadership. This position is designed for a lawyer who is deeply committed to defending immigrants and equally committed to excellence in litigation, strategy, and team development.

You will handle complex, high-stakes cases while helping shape a defense program that is rigorous, strategic, and uncompromising in quality.

Why This Role Matters

This is not a volume-driven role, it is a quality-driven one.

Your work will directly impact clients facing life-altering outcomes, while also shaping how a team of attorneys shows up for them.

We are building a practice that treats this work with the seriousness it deserves:
deep care for our clients, and equally high standards for how we advocate on their behalf.

Location: 

Remote: If you are located outside of Arizona

In Office: If you are located in Arizona 

Responsibilities/Duties

Deliver High-Stakes, High-Quality Advocacy

Manage a sophisticated caseload of removal defense matters with significant consequences for clients and their families

Represent clients in Individual and Master Calendar Hearings, bond proceedings, and appeals before the BIA

Draft and argue complex motions, briefs, and appellate filings with precision and strategic depth

Develop compelling case theories grounded in both law and narrative

Prepare clients and witnesses with care, clarity, and rigor

Take the lead on particularly complex or high-risk cases where strong advocacy is critical

Develop Talent and Raise the Bar

Mentor and supervise 1–2 removal defense attorneys with a focus on excellence, accountability, and growth

Provide substantive, actionable feedback on legal writing, case strategy, and hearing preparation

Coach attorneys to become confident, disciplined, and effective advocates

Set a high standard for performance while investing in each attorney’s development

Strengthen a High-Performing Defense Program

Ensure consistent, high-quality hearing coverage across all matters

Coordinate and oversee contract or coverage attorneys, holding them to the same rigorous standards

Step in when needed to ensure no case is underprepared or unsupported

Serve as a Strategic and Legal Leader

Act as a trusted resource on complex issues, including criminal bars, discretionary risk, and procedural challenges

Guide the team through urgent filings and time-sensitive matters with sound judgment

Bring clarity and structure to difficult legal and strategic decisions

Drive Excellence and Continuous Improvement

Uphold and reinforce high standards across all removal defense work

Identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities to improve systems and outcomes

Partner with leadership to build a program that is not only mission-driven but consistently excellent in execution

Requirements

Education & Experience 

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Graphic Design, or related field 

3+ years of experience in magazine editing or publishing 

3+ years of professional graphic design experience 

Portfolio demonstrating both editorial and design capabilities 

Technical Skills 

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Suite, AI tools, and Canva 

Experience with content management systems 

Basic understanding of print production processes 

Familiarity with digital publishing platforms 

Social media management experience 

Language & Communication 

Native or near-native fluency in Spanish 

Excellent written and verbal English communication skills 

Strong interviewing and writing abilities in both Spanish and English 

Cultural sensitivity and understanding of immigration communities 

Success Attributes

A strong commitment to immigrant defense and client-centered advocacy

Demonstrated excellence in litigation, legal writing, and case strategy

The ability to manage complex, high-pressure cases with sound judgment

A thoughtful, direct approach to mentorship and team development

A mindset that values both compassion and rigor

Compensation and Benefits

Base: $130,000-$155,000 (DOE)

Benefits: PTO, Paid Holidays, Healthcare Options, and Professional Development Support.