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Description

About the American Immigration Council

The American Immigration Council (the Council) works to strengthen America by shaping how America thinks about and acts towards immigrants and immigration, and by working toward a more fair and just immigration system that opens its doors to those in need of protection and unleashes the energy and skills that immigrants bring.

The Council brings together individuals adept at solving problems and employs four coordinated approaches to advance change-litigation, research, legislative and administrative advocacy, and communications.

The Immigration Justice Campaign is a collaboration between the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The Campaign is a broad-based project to activate a community of lawyers (and other volunteers with supporting skills) to defend noncitizens facing detention and removal and to advocate for due process and justice for noncitizens targeted for immigration enforcement.  The Campaign matches volunteers to noncitizens seeking release through parole and/or bond as well as representation in Immigration Court, the Asylum Office, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals and Circuit Courts. 

The Opportunity

The Training & Legal Support Attorney will be a national resource for attorneys engaged in pro bono immigration representation with a focus on detained immigrants. 

The Attorney will focus on the preparation of innovative education and training materials under the direction of the Senior Managing Attorney, to best support attorneys providing pro bono legal services at scale. The Attorney will play a key role in ensuring that Campaign volunteers and our local partners have the necessary training materials and mentorship to succeed in their cases and to disrupt the deportation machinery. The Attorney will also ensure that the training page of Campaign's website is up-to-date and remains a leading innovative resource for practitioners in the field who are new to immigration practice. The Attorney will also provide mentorship to pro bono attorneys and help the Campaign continue to refine and expand its innovative mentorship models. The Attorney will field inquiries not only on practice and procedure, but also on substantive relief and release strategies. 

As with all positions at the Council, this position requires commitment to the Council's mission and the organization's culture of philanthropy. 

What You'll Do

Training and Education 

• Develops and delivers innovative training programs and materials including practice guides, templates, and webinars for the Campaign network on bond, parole, asylum, removal defense and other relevant topics. 
• Stays updated on relevant laws, regulations and best practices to ensure training content is accurate and effective. 

Technical Assistance 

• Serves as a resource for pro bono attorneys, providing legal guidance, case strategies, and technical support. 
• Provides individual and group mentorship to Campaign volunteers providing pro bono representation in bond, parole and defensive asylum cases, with a primary focus on detained cases. 
• Conducts case reviews and offers substantive feedback to ensure quality legal representation. 
• Reviews and maintains the Campaign's training webpages to ensure they are accurate, up-to-date, and provide comprehensive guidance for pro bono attorneys and volunteers to succeed in their cases. Collaborates with the rest of the mentorship team to identify and implement improvements based on feedback and evolving legal practices. 
• Responds to inquiries from the Campaign network in a timely and professional manner. 

Compliance and Reporting 

• Ensures that all pro bono efforts comply with legal and ethical standards. 
• Tracks and reports on pro bono activities, including participation, outcomes, and impact. 
• Assists in grant reporting and other documentation requirements related to pro bono initiatives. 

Requirements

What You Bring

Required 

• Juris Doctor as well as 3+ years relevant immigration law experience, with at least 2 years of experience representing detained clients in bond and merits proceedings, is required.  
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and educational materials is essential. 
• Proficiency with legal case management systems and technology is an asset.  

Nice to Have

• Experience providing training and/or mentorship to other attorneys or Accredited Representatives strongly preferred. 
• Experience managing or coordinating pro bono programs is preferred. 
• A background in nonprofit or legal aid organizations is strongly preferred. 

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position. Employees are expected to maintain a home workspace conducive to focused, professional work and have reliable internet access. This is an exempt position; occasional evening and weekend availability may be required to respond to breaking news or time-sensitive content opportunities. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a workstation, frequent use of a PC or laptop for prolonged hours, and occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms. When representing the Council at conferences or events, employees may occasionally be required to lift or move items up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Why Join Us

Make a tangible impact in one of the most important policy conversations of our time, alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

• Salary range of $80,000-$95,000, reflecting our commitment to equitable, market-competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus employer-paid life and disability coverage
• 401(k) with matching contributions after 3 months of employment
• Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

We ask that you include:

• Your resume
• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the role and the Council's mission

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs-such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview-please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.

Eligibility to Work In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. AILA participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Council is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.