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Immigration Lawyer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Department of Justice

Immigration Judge

Santa Ana, CA

$159K/yr

Immigration Judges work with a team that includes attorneys, legal assistants, and other support staff. Applicants may choose to work a Full-time or Intermittent work schedule. See "Additional ...

VOLT

Legal Immigration Service Coordinator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Index, organize, and assemble immigration petition packages for attorney or management review. * Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with USCIS regulations and filing requirements.

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All JobsImmigration Lawyer JobsImmigration Lawyer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Immigration Lawyer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$40.2K

$94.1K

$152.8K

How much do immigration lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration lawyer in Riverside, CA is $94,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

An immigration lawyer specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the complexities of immigration law. They provide legal advice, prepare and file paperwork for visas, green cards, citizenship, and represent clients in immigration court if needed. Their role also includes helping clients understand their rights and options, and ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly to avoid delays or denials. Immigration lawyers stay up-to-date with changing laws and policies to provide the best guidance possible.

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

To thrive as an Immigration Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and in-depth knowledge of immigration law and procedures. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and relevant government filing systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and persuasive communication make a lawyer stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively navigating complex legal cases, advocating for clients, and ensuring compliance with evolving immigration regulations.

What are some common challenges immigration lawyers face when preparing cases for clients?

Immigration lawyers often encounter challenges such as navigating frequently changing regulations, managing tight deadlines for applications or appeals, and gathering comprehensive documentation from clients who may be overseas or facing language barriers. The role requires staying up-to-date with policy updates and communicating complex legal concepts in a clear, empathetic manner. Collaborating with clients, government agencies, and sometimes other legal professionals is essential to build strong cases and advocate effectively.

How can you become an immigration lawyer?

To become an immigration lawyer, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and pass the state bar examination. Specializing in immigration law may also involve gaining experience through internships or clerkships and obtaining relevant certifications or memberships in professional organizations.

Where do immigration lawyers make the most money?

Immigration lawyers tend to earn higher salaries in large metropolitan areas with a high demand for legal services, such as major financial or political centers. Factors influencing income include experience, specialization, and the size of the firm or organization they work for. Typically, lawyers working in private practice or for large firms in these regions have the potential to earn the highest salaries.

Is immigration law a good career?

Immigration law is a specialized legal field that involves assisting clients with visas, asylum, and citizenship issues. It requires strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of immigration policies, often involving client advocacy and documentation work. Many practitioners find it rewarding due to its social impact, but it can also involve complex and emotionally charged cases.

What is the difference between Immigration Lawyer vs Paralegal?

AspectImmigration LawyerParalegal
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, courtsLaw offices, legal departments, clinics
ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, court representation, document preparationResearch, document drafting, case organization

Immigration lawyers have law degrees and are licensed to practice law, providing legal advice and representing clients in court. Paralegals assist immigration lawyers by handling research, preparing documents, and supporting case management. While both roles work in legal settings related to immigration, immigration lawyers have more advanced credentials and legal authority.

How much are immigration attorneys paid?

Immigration attorneys' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but the median annual wage in the legal field is around $80,000 to $120,000. Experienced attorneys working in private practice or specialized immigration law can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Many also work full-time hours, with some overtime required for complex cases.
More about Immigration Lawyer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Immigration Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Immigration Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Immigration Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Immigration Lawyer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Immigration Lawyer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Immigration Lawyer job openings:
Immigration Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Lawyer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,127 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Immigration Attorney

The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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 a lot 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, you will also manage your caseload, as well as client interaction, and can collaborate with our wonderful Immigration Team of Attorneys and legal assistants.

Responsibilities

  • Develop strategy and prepare clients/witnesses for court/USCIS testimony
  • Represent non-detained and detained individuals in removal proceedings the Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals
  • Manage workload of cases
  • Visit and conduct an intake with detained individuals at centers.
  • Prepare diverse immigration applications, including removal defense and family-based immigration petitions
  • Review immigration applications/packets and make any necessary adjustments
  • Present to and work with law enforcement, prosecutorial offices, and community-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 submitting 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 your fellow associates
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required
  • Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber
  • Record of moving legal cases forward and an ability to manage a caseload
  • Experience with Family-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 

Here at The United Firm, we offer medical, dental, and vision insurance. We have a great compensation package including a 401(k) plan. Some perks include catered lunches, complimentary parking, paid time off, and more! Come be a part of our growing firm and its opportunities for career development. You will learn and develop alongside a team of professionals with a focus on excellence in the legal industry.

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

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