Full Time Immigration Attorney Jobs in California

Immigration & Criminal Defense Attorney

Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer, Inc. — Chula Vista, CA Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

The Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer is a dedicated law firm focused on immigration law and criminal defense. Our immigration practice is national in scope: we represent clients in removal proceedings before immigration courts across the country, handle appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, litigate in federal district court, and advocate for detained clients in bond proceedings at detention centers nationwide. We also defend clients facing criminal charges, with particular attention to the immigration consequences of criminal cases. Our firm provides aggressive, compassionate, and strategic representation to individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult legal challenges of their lives.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated attorney to join our team in Chula Vista, California. This is an opportunity to build deep litigation experience quickly in a high-volume, fast-moving practice. The ideal candidate is a strong legal writer who is eager to take ownership of cases from intake through hearing and appeal.

Experience in immigration or criminal law is preferred but not required. We welcome applications from newer attorneys, including recent bar admittees, who are committed to advocacy and willing to learn. Training and mentorship will be provided.

Many immigration court appearances are conducted remotely by video, and this position may also require travel for in-person hearings, client meetings, and detention center visits.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings before immigration courts nationwide, including individual (merits) hearings on asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture.
• Represent detained clients in bond proceedings and advocate for their release.
• Draft prehearing briefs, motions, appellate briefs, and other litigation documents for immigration court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal court.
• Handle affirmative immigration matters before USCIS, including asylum interviews, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, waivers, U visas, and naturalization applications.
• Defend clients facing criminal charges, particularly those with potential immigration consequences.
• Provide strategic counsel to clients regarding their immigration status and criminal defense options, including clients with limited English proficiency (working with interpreters as needed).
• Appear in immigration courts, state courts, and federal courts as necessary, both remotely and in person.
• Stay current on rapidly changing immigration law, regulations, and policy to provide the best representation possible.
• Collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, and other attorneys to ensure effective case management.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in California, or licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction with willingness to obtain California admission.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills; strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage a high caseload, work independently, and meet strict court deadlines.
• Willingness to travel as needed for court appearances and client representation.
• Passion for advocacy and commitment to protecting clients' rights.
• Experience in immigration law (removal defense, asylum, family-based, or humanitarian) preferred as practice is immigration focused.
• Criminal defense experience a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese) a plus, but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $80,000 – $160,000, based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays).
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) reimbursement.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment with direct mentorship.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a legal writing sample (a brief, motion, or memorandum of which you were the primary author). Applications without a writing sample will not be considered.

The Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer is a respected immigration law firm based in San Diego, California. We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation in complex removal defense, asylum, family-based immigration, waivers, and humanitarian relief. We take pride in our compassionate approach and our commitment to justice for immigrants and their families.