Role details
We are hiring a bilingual litigation attorney to take on removal defense, asylum, and other adversarial immigration matters. This is a real litigation role (not document preparation) with courtroom appearances. You will appear before the Chicago Immigration Court, the Milwaukee and Chicago Asylum Offices, and other adjudicators on behalf of clients. Immigration experience is welcome but not required; attorneys coming from criminal defense/prosecution or other litigation-heavy practices are encouraged. The firm provides immigration training. Some in-person appearances are required, particularly in Chicago. Responsibilities:
- Conduct consultations with prospective clients, often in urgent/high-stakes circumstances
- Represent clients in removal proceedings, asylum interviews, and other adversarial matters
- Develop case strategy and prepare filings, motions, briefs, and evidentiary submissions
- Appear in person at Chicago Immigration Court and the Milwaukee and Chicago Asylum Offices (many hearings virtual)
- Collaborate with a skilled legal team and contribute to firm-wide knowledge
- Stay current on evolving immigration law, policy, and agency practice Caseload and independence will be calibrated to prior experience and training needs. Depending on performance and interest, the role may develop into a supervisory position or a leadership/equity track. Required qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (or LLM) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active admission and good standing in any U.S. state or territory bar that permits practice before EOIR and USCIS
- Three or more years of litigation experience in adversarial proceedings (immigration, criminal, civil, or administrative)
- Functional fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English (client interviews, hearing prep, written communication in both languages)
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills
- Commitment to representing immigrants and underserved communities; integrity and initiative
- Comfort with modern legal technology and willingness to engage with operational improvement
- Immigration court experience is a plus but not required. Benefits include 401(k) with employer matching, health insurance (with opt-out bonus), paid vacation/PTO/federal and firm holidays, CLE budget and support for professional development, and a hybrid schedule with flexibility after training (up to one day remote per week).