Deportation Defense Attorney
CAIR-WA (Council on American-Islamic Relations, Washington)
contractTacoma/Seattle, WAMid LevelMid-LevelUS$85,000 – US$95,000
Job Description
CAIR-WA is seeking a Deportation Defense Attorney for a temporary contract position through December 31, 2026 (with potential renewal). This role is based at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma/Seattle, WA, and will work under the direction of CAIR-WA's Legal Director.
In this position, you will provide comprehensive legal defense for detained immigrants facing removal proceedings. Your work will encompass both federal litigation and immigration court representation, with a focus on protecting the rights of vulnerable populations including Muslim communities.
Key responsibilities include
- Litigating habeas corpus petitions in federal court on behalf of detained individuals
- Representing clients in immigration court proceedings and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Drafting legal documents including motions, briefs, and detailed legal memoranda
- Conducting thorough legal research and factual investigations
- Managing Freedom of Information Act requests and other records requests
- Building and maintaining relationships with pro bono counsel, community organizations, and rapid-response legal networks
- Providing trauma-informed legal counsel and client communication
- Developing legal resources and guidance materials to support other attorneys representing detained immigrants in the region
Required qualifications
- Two to five or more years of direct deportation defense experience
- Strong legal research and writing skills
- Solid understanding of U.S. immigration detention and removal law
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and organizations
- Strong preference for experience representing detained immigrants
Preferred qualifications
- Proficiency in Arabic, Somali, Dari, or other immigrant community languages
- Training or certification in trauma-informed care practices
- Direct experience serving Muslim, immigrant, or refugee communities
- Knowledge of how immigration law impacts Muslim families and communities
Compensation and benefits
- Salary: $85,000–$95,000 annually
- Medical and dental insurance coverage
- 401(k) matching contributions
- Eight weeks of flexible paid time off