Bilingual Removal Defense Attorney (Mandarin & English)

Law Offices of Sabrina Li • Pasadena, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C. is seeking an experienced Mandarin-English bilingual immigration attorney with a strong background in removal defense. The position focuses on immigration court litigation, including hearings, motion practice, and appeals, with removal defense as its core responsibility. The attorney will take ownership of assigned cases and may contribute to the firm’s expanding federal litigation practice, including mandamus, habeas, and APA matters, with senior attorney supervision as applicable.

The role includes representing clients in removal proceedings, preparing and litigating motions and appeals, developing case strategies, and coordinating case preparation and client service with attorneys and paralegals. It also offers opportunities to mentor and supervise paralegals and law clerks, contribute to legal strategy, and develop federal litigation skills. The firm describes its work as substantive and strategy-focused rather than volume-driven, with experienced team support and structured workflows.

The position is full-time and based in Pasadena or Santa Ana, California. Court appearances, USCIS interviews, and client meetings require in-person attendance, while drafting, research, and case preparation offer flexibility. Compensation is competitive and depends on experience, with performance-based bonuses and additional earning potential for advanced litigation work.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active U.S. bar license.
• At least 2 years of immigration law experience.
• At least 1 year of removal defense experience.
• Experience independently handling Master Calendar and Individual Hearings.
• Strong motion practice and appellate writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment under the guidance of senior attorneys.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and case strategy skills.
• Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in mandamus, habeas, or APA litigation, or a demonstrated interest in developing federal litigation skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, including Master Calendar and Individual Hearings.
• Draft and litigate motions to reopen, reconsider, terminate, and other post-order relief.
• Prepare and file appeals and briefs before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Conduct legal research and develop case strategies.
• Analyze records, including FOIA responses, to support case development.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings.
• Appear at USCIS interviews and related proceedings as needed.
• Work with senior attorneys and paralegals on case preparation and ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Oversee case preparation and workflow, maintaining organization, accuracy, and compliance across assigned matters.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient case management and strong client service.
• For attorneys developing federal litigation skills, support federal court matters under senior attorney supervision, including research and drafting for mandamus, habeas, and APA actions.
• Gain exposure to federal litigation strategy and filings and draft complaints, motions, and briefs in federal district court.
• Have the opportunity to mentor and supervise paralegals and law clerks and contribute to legal strategy.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• HSA options.
• Paid time off.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Additional earning potential for attorneys taking on advanced litigation work, including federal court matters.
• Flexibility for drafting, research, and case preparation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree