Removal Defense Immigration Attorney
About The Position
The Removal Defense Immigration Attorney represents clients in defensive immigration proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS/ICE). The role provides strategic legal guidance, courtroom advocacy, and high-quality representation to individuals facing removal while pursuing available forms of relief. The position is based in San Antonio, Texas, and requires regular travel throughout Texas for court appearances, client meetings, and detention facility visits. This is a full-time, exempt position following core business hours, with flexibility for court schedules, detention visits, and emergency hearings. The attorney develops and executes defense strategies, handles court and agency proceedings, prepares litigation filings, advises clients, and collaborates with legal support staff. The role may be filled at Attorney Levels I–V based on post-bar experience, trial capabilities, and demonstrated expertise. The stated annual salary range is $88,000–$160,000, commensurate with experience.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Active Bar License in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Eligible to practice before EOIR and USCIS.
- Deep knowledge of removal defense procedures, statutory relief, and federal immigration regulations.
- Exceptional courtroom advocacy, oral argument, legal writing, research, and case management skills under tight court deadlines.
- Willingness to travel throughout Texas for court appearances, client visits, and detention facility meetings.
Nice To Haves
- At least 2 years of immigration litigation experience handling removal defense matters from intake to final disposition.
- Hands-on experience with EOIR Master, Merits, and Bond hearings; BIA appeals; Motions to Reopen; and USCIS/ICE appearances.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Experience with Litify or equivalent legal case management platforms.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic defense strategies to protect clients from removal.
- Represent clients in EOIR and DHS proceedings, including Master Calendar, Individual Merits, Bond, and Asylum hearings.
- Pursue available relief, including Asylum, Withholding of Removal, CAT, Cancellation of Removal, Motions to Reopen or Reconsider, BIA Appeals, Prosecutorial Discretion, VAWA, U/T Visas, SIJS, and Deferred Action.
- Conduct legal consultations, evaluate eligibility, prepare clients and witnesses for testimony, and advocate during contested hearings.
- Communicate with clients about strategy, court dates, legal risks, and case progress.
- Draft, review, and file litigation motions, briefs, appeals, asylum applications, declarations, legal memoranda, and supporting evidence.
- Research immigration statutes, regulations, federal precedent, and evolving agency guidance.
- Monitor court deadlines, filing schedules, detention statuses, and government correspondence.
- Collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, and case managers to keep litigation files organized, complete, and timely filed.
- Participate in legal case reviews, litigation strategy sessions, and trial preparation.
- Mentor legal support staff and junior attorneys on removal defense procedures and courtroom advocacy.
- Contribute to firm initiatives focused on legal excellence, subject-matter expertise, and collaboration.
- Travel throughout Texas for court appearances, client visits, detention facility meetings, and firm events; occasional overnight stays may be required.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical insurance for individual employee coverage.
- Dental and vision insurance options.
- Employer-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
- EAP and mental health support resources.
- Cigna Healthy Rewards®, RecoveryOne Physical Therapy, Omada Health, Foodsmart Nutrition, Amplifon Hearing, HelloFresh discounts, and gym corporate rates.
- 401(k) plan with a 3% employer-funded contribution.
- Continuing education allowance and in-house Texas Bar-approved CLE programs.
- Ongoing litigation mentorship and specialized removal defense training.
- Generous paid time off and firm-recognized holidays.
- Unlimited PTO starting on the employee’s third anniversary.
- Fully paid new parent leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
