Litigation Attorney

The Litigation works to implement the American Immigration Council’s mission of protecting the legal rights of noncitizens through impact litigation, amicus briefs to the federal courts and Board of Immigration Appeals, and advocacy. In addition, the Litigation Attorney drafts practice advisories, provides technical assistance to immigration attorneys, and participates in the planning and execution of litigation strategy meetings. The Litigation Attorney collaborates with other advocates and litigators to ensure that immigration law is interpreted and implemented in a manner that is fair and just.  Candidates in Washington, DC are preferred, although this position may be performed remotely.

J.D. Degree and admission to any State Bar required.

To perform successfully in this role, incumbent should possess skills identified below:

• At least 7 years of legal experience, at least 3 years of which have been in the practice of immigration law or federal court litigation.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with federal court litigation.
• Knowledge and understanding of immigration laws and policies surrounding immigration detention, deportation/removal, enforcement, immigration courts, and asylum.
• Substantive knowledge of immigration law and federal court procedures.
• Ability to think creatively about solutions to legal problems.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to collaborate with other organizations and attorneys.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Substantive knowledge of immigration law and federal court procedures.
• Knowledge of FOIA litigation preferred.
• Experience practicing in immigration court or before immigration agencies preferred.

Skills

• Collaborates effectively with other organizations and attorneys and provides outreach and assistance to clients and others involved with litigation.
• Able to multi-task and has strong organization skills.
• Strong oral communication skills, as may represent the Council with external coalitions and/or audience from time-to-time.
• Strong written communications skills including: writing and editing skills.
• Strong analytical skills and legal research skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Working knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Spanish proficiency preferred.

Abilities

• Ability to work in a diverse coalition of attorneys and stakeholders.
• Ability to shift focus quickly and quickly get up to speed on many diverse issues.
• Demonstrates sound decision making in a range of situations.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers. Council employees will be working remotely until the end of 2021 due to COVID-19.

Some travel is expected for this position. Incumbents in this position have typically traveled 4-8 times per year, before the COVID-19 pandemic.  This has included travel to (1) hearings and other litigation-related obligations, (2) Council trainings, (3) board meetings, and (4) conferences.