Job Title:
Deportation Defense
Attorney
Reports to:
Managing Attorney, Deportation Defense Team
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Location:
Albuquerque preferred, Las Cruces and Santa Fe will be considered
About the Organization
The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) works to advance justice, dignity, and equity for immigrants in New Mexico through high-quality legal services, advocacy, and community partnerships. NMILC envisions a state where immigrants can live and thrive free from fear, with access to their rights and opportunities to shape their futures.
Position Overview
NMILC’s
Deportation Defense Team
offers free immigration legal services to asylum seekers in removal proceedings and to individuals detained at the immigration detention centers in New Mexico.
The Program
provides direct representation, rapid response for community arrests, individual intakes, pro bono referrals, and actively engages in advocacy to advance justice for asylum seekers, detained individuals, and end immigration detention.
Key Responsibilities
Develop pro se materials
and systems
to support
New Mexicans in rem
oval proceedings
in the El Paso Immigration Cour
t;
Provide
pro se
and
occasional
direct representation to New Mexicans in removal proceedings in the El Paso Immigration Court
;
Participate in
legal consultations
and presentatio
n
s
for individuals in ICE custody
in New Mexico
(willingness to travel to the
Torrance County Detention Facility and the Cibola County Correctional Center
required
)
;
Provide
pro se
and occasional direct representation to
detained non-citizens in removal proceedings and bond hearings in front of EOIR, appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and habeas corpus proceedings in the Western District of Texas and the District of New Mexico;
Supe
rvise
and/
or mentor
so
me
NMILC
attorneys
taki
ng on non
-detaine
d removal
case
s
, particularl
y for repre
sentatio
n on the
merits;
and
Strengthen referral networks by coordinating case referrals with other organizations (e.g., Immigrant Justice C
ampaign
, ACLU-NM)
.
Qualifications
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Active membership in
any state bar.
Minimum of
two
ye
ars of immigration law experience, with high volume practice
ideally
including
crime victim visas, asylum, SIJS, removal defense, and appeals
One year of supervisory experience
preferred
.
Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish), both written and verbal
A demonstrated commitment to public interest work, immigrant rights, social justice issues, and desire to
assist
crime victims.
Commitment to NMILC’s internal organizational values
The ability to provide trauma-informed and
culturally-competent
legal
assistance
to crime victims/survivors
Strong organizational skills
Strong communication
skills, both oral and written
Strong skills in legal research, analysis, and writing
Ability to interact professionally and negotiate effectively with opposing counsel
The ability to work collaboratively with different program staff and partner organizations to further develop community relationships and
facilitate
holistic and wraparound services
Salary and Benefits
This is a part-time exempt position. Salary is competitive for our field and geographic area and is commensurate with experience. Starting annual salary for the Deportation Defense Attorney position is $42,120. NMILC currently offers a generous benefits package, including:
100% of Individual Employee Health, Dental and Vision Premium paid by NMILC for the Base Plan and 50% for dependents. Buy-up health plan also available.
Access to Traditional and Roth 401(K) options and discretionary employer match up to 10% of base salary upon meeting eligibility requirements (determined each fiscal year based on funding projections).
Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) for both medical and dependent care.
Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
Benefits may be subject to change at any time based on the organization’s budget.
NMILC also recognizes the value of creating an environment of positive work/life balance, acknowledging that investing in staff’s ability to take care of themselves and their families enables them to do their best work. Our paid holiday schedule is exceptional and contributes to each of us enjoying a good work/life balance. The plan currently includes:
Company-paid federal holidays in addition to 2 weeks of winter break, 1 week for spring break, and 1 week for summer break, and other days as established in coordination with the local public-school schedule.
Three week paid vacation annually;
1 earned sick leave hour for every 30 hours worked;