Immigration Law Associate (Bar Pending/Recently Graduated Law School)

Role Objective: 

We are seeking an individual for Fall 2027 who recently finished their Juris Doctor degree and wants to build real experience while awaiting results of a bar exam, and transition directly into an associate attorney position within the firm.

You will begin working as a Law Clerk/Paralegal while awaiting bar admission. During this time, you will learn our systems, case strategy, and workflows while gaining hands-on experience in family-based, humanitarian immigration and removal defense to join our high-performing legal team.

Once you pass the bar exam and are admitted to a state bar, you will transition into an Associate Attorney role within the firm, taking on your own caseload and client representation responsibilities. This is not a temporary role—it is a structured pathway into a long-term attorney position. This role bridges the gap from law school to actively practicing law.

By starting in a law clerk/paralegal capacity, you will learn how cases are actually developed—from intake to filing to court preparation—so that when you step into an attorney role, you are prepared, confident, and effective.

You'll work alongside nationally recognized experts who have argued precedent-shaping cases and are regarded as leaders in humanitarian immigration law. Our attorneys have argued precedent-setting cases before the highest courts, and you'll have the opportunity to learn directly from these mentors while building your own expertise in complex immigration matters. Ongoing mentorship, advanced litigation strategy sessions, and leadership development opportunities are part of our culture.

Responsibilities 

(Pre-Bar / Paralegal Phase) You will support attorneys and clients in building strong, well-prepared cases.

• Manage a substantial caseload from inception to resolution, with a focus on family-based immigration relief

• Draft, review, and finalize application packets to firm standards, ensuring all required evidence is included and quality-controlled

• Conduct client interview appointments and prepare clients and documentation for USCIS interview settings

• Respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence promptly and within strict deadlines

• Process revision returns and manage client callbacks in a timely manner

• Communicate clearly with clients throughout their case, explaining processes and managing expectations

• Maintain accurate, organized case files in the firm's legal database

(Post-Bar / Associate Attorney Phase) Once licensed, you will transition into an Associate Attorney role.

• Manage a growing caseload of family-based and humanitarian matters (level of independence based on experience)

• Prepare, review, and file complex immigration applications and supporting evidence

• Conduct detailed client interviews and develop strategic legal approaches

• Research complex immigration issues and contribute to innovative legal solutions

• Represent clients before USCIS, EOIR, and local immigration courts

• Collaborate with and potentially mentor junior attorneys and legal staff (based on experience level)

• Participate in firmwide case strategy meetings and continuing legal education

• Maintain organized, accurate case notes using Filevine

• Ensure exceptional client service with a trauma-informed, compassionate approach

Requirements 

• J.D. from an accredited law school

• Planning to sit for or recently completed a U.S. bar exam

• Strong commitment to humanitarian and family-based immigration cases

• Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills

• Excellent client communication and interpersonal abilities

• Self-starter mentality and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

• Technological proficiency, including comfort with remote collaboration tools

Preferred Qualifications 

• Spanish fluency (highly preferred)

• Prior experience in immigration law (VAWA, U visas, T visas, SIJS, I-601A waivers, or removal defense)

• Familiarity with Filevine or similar case management software experience.

Compensation:  

• Pre-Bar / Bar Pending Phase (Paralegal Role): $26–$30 per hour, depending on experience
• Post-Bar / Attorney Phase (Upon Licensure): Salary range: $85,000–$90,000+ to start, based on experience