Detained Removal Attorney

Job Overview
As our firm continues to grow, we are expanding our Detained Department and seeking a Detained Removal Defense Attorney. This attorney will represent clients held in immigration detention through every stage of removal proceedings, from bond hearings and master calendar hearings to individual merits hearings and appeals.

We're looking for a dedicated, courtroom-ready attorney who thrives under tight deadlines, can think on their feet, is comfortable researching independently, isn't afraid to ask for help when needed, and is deeply committed to fighting for clients at one of the most critical moments of their lives. If you're ready to grow with us and make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of detained removal defense matters before the Immigration Court, both in person and by video.
• Prepare for and argue bond hearings, including gathering evidence of equities, community ties, and rehabilitation.
• Appear at master calendar and individual merits hearings. This includes presenting testimony, examining witnesses, cross-examining government witnesses, and making legal arguments.
• Represent clients seeking relief from removal, including asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), cancellation of removal, adjustment of status before the court, and voluntary departure.
• Handle credible fear and reasonable fear reviews, and motions to reopen, reconsider, or terminate.
• Prepare and file appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and coordinate with litigation counsel on federal court matters such as petitions for review and habeas petitions.
• Do a thorough initial case review soon after the contract is signed. Identify eligibility for relief, spot risks, and give the team a clear, well-documented list of the evidence needed.
• Conduct high-level review and analysis of criminal history and its immigration consequences, including crimes involving moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, and mandatory detention issues.
• Draft briefs, motions, declarations, and other legal filings, often on short timelines.
• Visit clients at detention facilities and meet with clients and their families by phone or Zoom to explain the process and set expectations.
• Communicate with ICE/DHS attorneys and deportation officers about case status, custody, and prosecutorial discretion requests.
• Coordinate with attorneys in the affirmative and consular departments on cases that overlap, advising on how developments in one matter may affect another.
• Provide guidance and strategic direction to paralegals and other team members on casework, escalating questions as needed.
• Train and mentor paralegals, junior paralegals, and assistants to foster professional growth and enhance team performance.
• Provide support to other departments as needed when attorneys are unavailable.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar license in good standing in any U.S. state or territory.
• Prior experience in immigration law is essential. Experience in removal defense, especially detained cases, is strongly preferred.
• Courtroom or litigation experience, including presenting evidence and questioning witnesses.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle fast-moving detained docket deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy across a high-volume caseload.
• Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to work independently while knowing when to ask for help or escalate a question.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including experience giving guidance to paralegals or junior team members.
• Willingness to travel to detention facilities and immigration courts as needed.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to adjust to frequent changes in immigration law and policy.
• Speaking Spanish is strongly preferred.

Note to Recruiters and Third-Party Agencies:
We appreciate your interest and the work you do to support talent acquisition. However, at this time, we are not engaging with external recruiters or third-party agencies for this role. Thank you for respecting our process.

Background Check Requirement:
A background check is required for this position. Access to detention facilities may also require separate security clearance by the facility.

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Rivas & Associates is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.