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Immigration Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Immigration Attorney

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $115/hr

As the Immigration Attorney , you will report to the Managing Immigration Attorney, manage your caseload and client interactions, and collaborate with the wonderful Immigration Team of Attorneys and ...

Immigration Attorney

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $115/hr

As the Immigration Attorney , you will report to the Managing Immigration Attorney, manage your caseload, oversee client interaction, and collaborate with our wonderful Immigration Team of Attorneys ...

Immigration Attorney

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Contract Appearance / Hearing Attorney - Immigration Law Location: San Francisco Type: Flexible, appointment-based, contract engagement At The United Firm, we're passionate about protecting our ...

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Immigration Attorney information

See California salary details

$38K

$89K

$144.6K

How much do immigration attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration attorney in California is $89,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an immigration attorney do?

An immigration attorney advocates for individuals in legal proceedings related to immigration issues including, applications for citizenship, work visas, and deportation proceedings. An immigration lawyer has a clear understanding of the process of applying for citizenship and can assist with documentation, deadlines, and offer valuable advice. As a lawyer, you will also defend your client in courtrooms on immigration cases.

What does an immigration attorney do?

An immigration attorney is a legal professional who specializes in helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding immigration. They assist clients with issues such as visa applications, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense, and asylum claims. Immigration attorneys also represent clients in immigration court and provide guidance on compliance with U.S. immigration law. Their expertise helps clients understand their rights and options throughout the immigration process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Immigration Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and deep knowledge of immigration laws and procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and government immigration systems like USCIS portals is essential. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and strong advocacy skills help attorneys build trust with diverse clients and effectively represent their cases. These skills and qualities are crucial for navigating complex legal processes, ensuring client success, and maintaining ethical standards in a rapidly changing legal environment.

What are some common challenges faced by immigration attorneys when navigating complex cases?

Immigration Attorneys often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing laws and policies, tight deadlines for filings, and the need to gather extensive documentation from clients who may be unfamiliar with legal processes. They must balance advocacy for their clients with strict compliance to legal standards and procedures. Working closely with government agencies, clients, and sometimes interpreters, Immigration Attorneys need strong organizational and communication skills to manage multiple cases and ensure the best possible outcomes.

What is the difference between Immigration Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectImmigration AttorneyParalegal
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, courtsLaw offices, legal departments, clinics
ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, court representation, document reviewLegal research, document preparation, client communication

While both Immigration Attorneys and Paralegals work in immigration law, attorneys have law degrees and can provide legal advice and represent clients in court. Paralegals support attorneys with research and document handling but cannot offer legal advice or represent clients. The roles complement each other within immigration law practices, but attorneys hold the legal authority to handle complex cases and court proceedings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Immigration Attorney jobs in California?

The most popular types of Immigration Attorney jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Immigration Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Immigration Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Immigration Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Immigration Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Immigration Attorney jobs in CA?

For Immigration Attorney jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Immigration Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,042 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Immigration Attorney

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$75 - $115/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

At The United Firm, we're passionate about protecting our clients' rights, and it shows in our results. We have a history of success built on lasting relationships that produce results with outstanding value for our clients. We're looking for an admitted attorney, for an extremely promising Associate Immigration Attorney position within a premier law firm with plenty of room for growth. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Associate Attorney to gain valuable experience and further their career with an established firm in the Santa Ana Area.

As the Immigration Attorney, you will report to the Managing Immigration Attorney, manage your caseload and client interactions, and collaborate with the wonderful Immigration Team of Attorneys and legal assistants.

Responsibilities
  • Develop strategy and prepare clients/witnesses for court/USCIS testimony
  • Represent nonโ€‘detained and detained individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Visit and conduct intake with detained individuals at centers
  • Prepare diverse immigration applications, including removal defense and familyโ€‘based immigration petitions
  • Review immigration applications/packets and make necessary adjustments
  • Present to and work with law enforcement, prosecutorial offices, and communityโ€‘based organizations on changes in immigration law
  • Meet with potential clients for strategic immigration consultations and determine necessary strategy
  • Provide legal analysis for clients to determine any possible case benefits
  • Prepare and submit legal briefs for a variety of immigration cases
Qualifications
  • At least 3-5 years of Immigration Law experience
  • A team player who is open to helping, strategizing, and working with fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber
  • Record of moving legal cases forward and ability to manage a caseload
  • Experience with Familyโ€‘Based Petitions, Humanitarian, EOIR, Detained, Citizenship, and other USCIS applications
  • Experience with Case Management Software is preferred

Pay Range: $75,000 to $115,000 annual salary

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, a competitive compensation package including a 401(k) plan, catered lunches, complimentary parking, paid time off, and more. You will have the opportunity to learn and develop alongside a team of professionals focused on excellence in the legal industry.

The United Firm, APC is an equal employment opportunity employer and we welcome everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetics. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, open, and diverse work environment.

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