Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project
About The Position
The Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project is responsible for programmatic, strategic, and operational leadership for ILAP’s Detention Project. The role supervises Detention Project staff and fellows and leads a growing area of work focused on expanding access to immigration legal services for Maine residents detained by U.S. immigration officials and residents of other states being detained in Maine. The role serves as ILAP’s lead attorney for habeas corpus litigation responsible for litigating habeas petitions directly and as co-counsel. The role also manages ILAP’s work with external attorneys handling low bono and pro bono habeas petitions for clients referred by ILAP. Additionally, the Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project serves as a key connector across ILAP’s legal work, ensuring that detention-related services are aligned and integrated with the organization’s broader immigration practice. In a project that is still evolving, the Senior Detention Attorney will play a central role in defining priorities, strengthening coordination, and building sustainable systems that support both clients and staff.
Requirements
- J.D. required and admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- Applicants not currently admitted in Maine must be eligible for admission and willing to pursue admission in a timely manner.
- A minimum of five years of experience with immigration matters.
- Prior experience representing detained immigrants on immigration matters, including removal defense and habeas corpus petitions is required.
- Exceptional legal research and writing skills, with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to produce complex, legal work product.
- Strong judgment rooted in a combination of integrity, deep respect for our clients, and analytical and emotional intelligence.
- Experience working collaboratively with teammates, clients, and a network of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and manage a high-volume workload with competing and time-sensitive demands.
- Maintains balance and presence under pressure, reflecting on the bigger picture while making decisions needed to keep the work moving forward.
- Demonstrated passion for advancing immigrants’ rights and serving detained clients, as well as an ability to work well with individuals from different cultures and with varying levels of English proficiency.
- Personal and professional commitment to racial justice and equity.
- Strong computer skills including proficiency with Office 365.
Nice To Haves
- Fluency in a relevant language, including Spanish, French, or Portuguese, is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Programmatic, strategic, and operational leadership for ILAP’s Detention Project.
- Supervises Detention Project staff and fellows.
- Leads a growing area of work focused on expanding access to immigration legal services for Maine residents detained by U.S. immigration officials and residents of other states being detained in Maine.
- Serves as ILAP’s lead attorney for habeas corpus litigation responsible for litigating habeas petitions directly and as co-counsel.
- Manages ILAP’s work with external attorneys handling low bono and pro bono habeas petitions for clients referred by ILAP.
- Serves as a key connector across ILAP’s legal work, ensuring that detention-related services are aligned and integrated with the organization’s broader immigration practice.
- Plays a central role in defining priorities, strengthening coordination, and building sustainable systems that support both clients and staff.
- Translates strategy and ideas into day-to-day team management.
- Manages people and teams to outcomes, offers and listens to feedback effectively, inspires learning and growth, and creates an inclusive work environment.
Benefits
- Fully paid individual health and dental insurance coverage and significant coverage for dependents’ health insurance
- Vacation (20 days), Holidays (13.5), Sick Days (12), and Personal Days (4)
- Reduced Hours Fridays
- Paid parental leave and a paid family and medical leave policy
- Paid sabbatical after each 5 years of employment
- Employer Retirement Contributions
- Health Savings Plan
- Law School Repayment Assistance
- Employer paid premium for long term disability and life insurance
- Individual and staff-wide professional development opportunities
- Alternative Work Arrangement (eligible after 90-day onboarding)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
