Immigration Law Associate (Bar Pending/Recently Graduated Law School)

New Frontier Immigration Law•Glendale, AZ

About The Position

This position is a structured pathway from law school to a long-term attorney role, beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will initially work as a Law Clerk/Paralegal while awaiting bar admission, learning the firm’s systems, case strategy, and workflows and gaining hands-on experience in family-based and humanitarian immigration and removal defense. After passing the bar exam and being admitted to a state bar, the candidate will transition into an Associate Attorney role, take on a caseload, and represent clients. The role includes ongoing mentorship, advanced litigation strategy sessions, and leadership development opportunities, with the opportunity to learn from attorneys recognized for precedent-setting work in humanitarian immigration law. In the pre-bar phase, the employee will support attorneys and clients by managing cases, preparing application packets, conducting client interviews, responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence, handling revisions and callbacks, communicating with clients, and maintaining case files. After licensure, the associate will manage family-based and humanitarian matters, prepare and file complex immigration applications, interview clients, develop legal strategies, research complex issues, represent clients before USCIS, EOIR, and local immigration courts, and collaborate with or potentially mentor junior staff. The role also involves case strategy meetings, continuing legal education, organized case notes using Filevine, and trauma-informed client service. Compensation is $26–$30 per hour during the pre-bar/paralegal phase, depending on experience. Upon licensure, the salary range is $85,000–$90,000+ to start, based on experience.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Planning to sit for or recently completed a U.S. bar exam.
Strong commitment to humanitarian and family-based immigration cases.
Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
Excellent client communication and interpersonal abilities.
Self-starter mentality and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Technological proficiency, including comfort with remote collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

Spanish fluency (highly preferred).
Prior experience in immigration law, including VAWA, U visas, T visas, SIJS, I-601A waivers, or removal defense.
Familiarity with Filevine or similar case management software.

Responsibilities

Manage a substantial caseload from inception to resolution, with a focus on family-based immigration relief.
Draft, review, and finalize application packets to firm standards, ensuring required evidence is included and quality-controlled.
Conduct client interview appointments and prepare clients and documentation for USCIS interview settings.
Respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence promptly and within strict deadlines.
Process revision returns and manage client callbacks in a timely manner.
Communicate clearly with clients throughout their cases, explaining processes and managing expectations.
Maintain accurate, organized case files in the firm’s legal database.
After licensure, manage a growing caseload of family-based and humanitarian matters, with independence based on experience.
Prepare, review, and file complex immigration applications and supporting evidence.
Conduct detailed client interviews and develop strategic legal approaches.
Research complex immigration issues and contribute to innovative legal solutions.
Represent clients before USCIS, EOIR, and local immigration courts.
Collaborate with and potentially mentor junior attorneys and legal staff, based on experience level.
Participate in firmwide case strategy meetings and continuing legal education.
Maintain organized, accurate case notes using Filevine.
Provide exceptional client service with a trauma-informed, compassionate approach.