Immigration Litigation Staff Attorney (Removal Defense)

The Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), a Muslim American nonprofit dedicated to protecting civil rights and liberties through impact litigation and direct legal services, seeks an Immigration Litigation Staff Attorney to lead removal defense and federal immigration litigation.

Role Overview

You will manage a nationwide removal defense caseload, representing detained and non-detained immigrants in immigration courts and federal courts. This position offers critical legal advocacy for vulnerable populations while advancing MLFA's civil rights mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cases before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
• Represent clients in federal district and appellate courts on removal defense matters
• File emergency applications including temporary restraining orders (TROs) and federal habeas corpus petitions for detained clients
• Develop and advocate asylum, withholding of removal, and Convention Against Torture (CAT) claims
• Conduct client intakes, interviews, and case assessments
• Draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and legal memoranda
• Perform legal research on complex immigration issues
• Collaborate with supervising attorneys and co-counsel on strategy
• Contribute to MLFA's broader impact litigation strategy

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school
• Active state bar admission (at least one state)
• Active federal court admission (at least one federal jurisdiction)
• Minimum 3 years removal defense litigation experience
• Minimum 1 year federal court immigration litigation experience (including habeas petitions)
• Strong legal writing, research, and advocacy skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior nonprofit legal experience

What We Offer

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement account (contributions welcome; no current match)
• Based in Richardson, TX with regular office presence; travel required

Starting salary: $70,000+ based on experience. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.