Lead Attorney - Removal Defense

Job Description

Job Description

Role Objective

We are seeking an exceptional bilingual (English/Spanish) 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 : Phoenix or Glendale, 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

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.