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.  

Position Summary

The 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 provision of quality mentorship and advise under the direction of the IJC Director, 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. The Attorney will also assist in the creation and updating of training materials on Campaign’s website. 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.

Essential Job Functions

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 Senior Managing Attorney 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. 
• Stays updated on relevant laws, regulations and best practices to ensure training content is accurate and effective. 
• Occasionally directly represent clients as needed. 

Compliance and Reporting 

• Ensure that all pro bono efforts comply with legal and ethical standards. 
• Track and report on pro bono activities, including participation, outcomes, and impact. 
• Assist in grant reporting and other documentation requirements related to pro bono initiatives. 

Required Education and Experience:

•  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.  
• Experience with asylum/withholding of Removal/CAT and cancellation of removal is required. 
• Experience with other case types, particularly BIA appeals, PFRs and Habeas is strongly preferred. 
• Experience providing training and/or mentorship to other attorneys or Accredited Representatives is strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and educational materials is essential. 
• Experience managing or coordinating pro bono programs is preferred. 
• Proficiency with legal case management systems and technology is an asset. 
• A background in nonprofit or legal aid organizations is strongly preferred. 

Occasional travel may be required for this role. This position typically travels to Board meetings, staff retreats, and conferences approximately 1-2 times per quarter.

The Council is a fully remote employer, and this role operates in a remote work environment. Our team collaborates virtually, and we provide the necessary IT equipment to support your work.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on The Council's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs.

Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant.

Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in The Council's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits.

Application Process: To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.

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. The Council participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Council ("The 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.