Removal Defense Immigration Associate for Chicago Firm

Overview

This role involves leading immigration removal defense matters with a special focus on detained clients. The employer is seeking an Immigration Associate with 3+ years of deportation defense experience to join a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Lead removal defense work with a special focus on detained clients, including:
  • Bond hearings
  • Custody redeterminations
  • Federal habeas petitions
  • Related individual hearings and BIA appeals
• Attend ICE check-ins and appointments at the Chicago field office and SIJS predicate hearings in Illinois state court.
• Manage immigration matters as needed, including asylum, VAWA, U visas, T visas, I-130s, waivers, and AOS.
• Consult with prospective clients, convert them into retained cases, and manage client communications in a compassionate and proactive manner.
• Supervise and work alongside paralegals who handle records collection, exhibit preparation, and deadline tracking.

Requirements

• 3+ years in removal defense/humanitarian-based immigration, ideally with BIA appellate and Seventh Circuit experience.
• Illinois state-court experience, including SIJS predicate orders, is a big plus.
• Active law license in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction, with no bar or EOIR discipline.
• Admitted, or able to promptly gain admission, to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Wisconsin federal courts a plus).

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Russian, Ukrainian, or Georgian fluency or proficiency is also welcome.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $100,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on immigration experience and demonstrated value.
• Part-time options: Hourly rates between $90 and $105 per hour might be available.
• Performance bonus: Performance bonus program based on completed work.
• Health benefits: UnitedHealthcare PPO health/dental/vision insurance.
• Time off: 15 PTO days, 11 paid federal holidays, and 6 paid sick days per year.
• Professional expenses: Firm-paid CLE, bar dues, and AILA membership; firm-provided laptop.
• Part-time benefits: Part-time benefit eligibility depends on the agreed schedule and applicable plan terms.

Schedule & Location

• Remote: Fully remote, except for in-person court dates/interviews/ICE check-ins or necessary client meetings.
• Geographic preference: Seeking candidates within a 2-hour drive or train ride of Chicago.
• Hours: Business hours 9am to 5pm CT, Monday to Friday.
• Workload: Realistic work schedule is 40–45 hours per week, with occasional urgent work when a bond hearing or habeas filing comes up on short notice.

Additional Expectations

• Own your docket without hand-holding or micromanagement.
• Manage team members effectively as they support case preparation.
• Maintain zero missed deadlines or missed court appearances.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy status, veteran status, family history and genetic information, or any other protected status.