Defensive Attorney Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Are you an immigration attorney who wants meaningful courtroom work, real responsibility, and a firm that is intentionally built—not chaotic?

We are a Boston-based immigration law firm seeking a driven Immigration Defense Attorney to join our litigation and humanitarian practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who wants hands-on experience in removal defense, bond and custody litigation, detained representation, and complex humanitarian relief—while working within a firm that values structure, preparation, and professional growth.

You will play a direct role in protecting clients’ liberty, keeping families together, and navigating high-stakes immigration proceedings. This is not a paper-pushing position. You will appear in court, argue bond, strategize cases, and collaborate closely with a strong paralegal and client relations team so you can focus on lawyering at a high level.

Key Responsibilities:

Immigration Court & Removal Defense

• Appear in Immigration Court for Master Calendar Hearings and related proceedings
• Review procedural posture, prior filings, and available relief
• Enter appearances, file pleadings, motions to continue, and comply with IJ orders
• Strategize case progression based on Individual Hearing (IH) timelines and posture
• Coordinate court outcomes and next steps with firm staff and client relations teams

Bond & Custody Litigation

• Prepare and litigate bond and custody cases for detained clients
• Analyze immigration and criminal histories to assess detention eligibility and risk
• Develop and argue dangerousness and flight risk positions
• Prepare evidentiary and due process arguments, including jurisdictional challenges
• Assemble and present bond packets, including cases involving parallel habeas relief

Detained Representation & Jail Work

• Conduct intake consultations for detained clients nationwide
• Screen detained clients for relief eligibility (asylum, bond, SIJS, VAWA, T/U visas, 42B, etc.)
• Develop factual records related to immigration history, criminal history, and fear of return
• Communicate with detention centers, ERO officers, and EOIR clerks
• Conduct in-person jail visits, including at Plymouth County Correctional Facility

Motion Practice & Legal Drafting

• Draft motions to recalendar, terminate, substitute counsel, and oppose DHS motions
• Prepare EOIR status updates, motions for speedy hearings, and urgent filings
• Draft affidavits and supporting evidence for bond hearings and Individual Hearings
• Handle time-sensitive filings, including asylum applications and supporting documentation

Humanitarian & Ancillary Immigration Matters

• Prepare and litigate SIJS-related dependency matters in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
• Draft and assemble dependency packets and coordinate service and court filings
• Represent clients in naturalization (N-400) matters, including interview preparation and attendance
• Identify good moral character and admissibility issues and advise clients accordingly

Collaboration & Case Strategy

• Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and client relations staff
• Assist with IH preparation, client testimony development, and urgent case needs
• Support detained clients and family members in understanding procedural outcomes
• Participate in strategy discussions on priority and complex cases

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is a strong fit for an attorney who:

• Enjoys litigation, strategy, and court appearances
• Is organized, prepared, and comfortable managing deadlines
• Takes ownership of cases and follows through
• Wants to grow within a structured, well-run firm
• Cares deeply about clients but does not thrive in chaos

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to a U.S. state bar (Massachusetts preferred)
• Prior experience in immigration law strongly preferred, especially:
  • Removal defense
  • Bond and custody work
  • Detained representation
• Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to analyze criminal records and immigration consequences
• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred (but not required)
• High ethical standards, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining quality
• Ability and willingness to travel within Massachusetts and, when necessary, out of state for Immigration Court hearings, client interviews, detention facility visits, and other case-related proceedings.

Why Join Our Firm

• Meaningful courtroom experience and real responsibility
• A firm with clear systems, defined roles, and strong support staff
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and advancement
• A culture that values accountability, preparation, and respect
• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• A sustainable practice environment focused on long-term success—not burnout

$80,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.

Attorneys with significant removal defense, bond, and detained representation experience may be considered toward the top of the range.

Candidates who move forward after the first interview will be invited to complete a short video exercise focused on how they would contribute to the firm and the role.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person