Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
Senior Attorney, Immigration Impact Lab
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Who We Are:
The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is now Amica Center for Immigrant Rights ("Amica Center"). Amica Center has grown and expanded beyond our original name and geographic boundaries to support immigrants in detention.
Amica
means "friend" in Latin, reflecting our approach to supporting clients in achieving safety, stability, and opportunity. We are the only non-profit in the Washington, D.C. area exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond. Our Work Environment:
Amica Center’s Immigration Impact Lab is a highly collaborative, trauma‑informed, client‑focused work environment. We support staff development and create systems that balance structure with innovation and adaptability across teams. Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Attorney to help lead the Immigration Impact Lab’s expansion of impact litigation and referral systems in new circuits, particularly the Third, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits. The Senior Attorney will work with the appellate and federal litigation team to achieve Lab goals, including: Conduct broad-based legal research, case development, and written pleadings involving novel immigration claims. Provide direct legal services to immigrants through appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and federal circuit and district courts. Work with pro bono attorneys through co-counseling, mentoring, and trainings. Supervise staff attorneys, legal assistants, and interns. Manage program projects and contribute to program development, including fundraising and thought leadership opportunities such as media, panels, and webinars. General Duties and Responsibilities
Representation: Supervise staff attorneys, interns, and potentially legal assistants on Lab goals and cases. Engage in federal impact litigation, including habeas petitions and appeals, and related tasks such as identifying and developing potential affirmative impact litigation. Conduct legal research and draft pleadings for federal courts and immigration agencies. Represent clients at the BIA, federal circuit courts of appeals, and federal district courts, and draft amicus briefs as needed. Investigate and collect information to support federal court litigation. Lead at least one large-scale litigation effort per year (e.g., class action or circuit court case of national importance) internally and with co-counsel and external stakeholders. Manage program projects supporting impact litigation. Collaborate with other Amica Center programs to develop innovative arguments for direct legal representations of detained clients and to identify novel issues for appeals and impact litigation. Manage a caseload of in-house and pro bono co-counseling cases to ensure timely, high-quality filings. Provide technical legal assistance to advocates on issues affecting immigrants at risk of detention and deportation, including intersection of criminal and immigration law. Mentor and co-counsel with pro bono and nonprofit attorneys through life of cases; educate pro bono attorneys through trainings and resources. Implement the Immigration Impact Lab’s programmatic priorities, including supervising and mentoring staff on complex litigation and appeals. Organizational Services: Assist program management with long-term planning and strategy. Ensure accurate data entry and timely updates in shared databases. Participate in stakeholder meetings with community groups, governmental bodies, and other legal service providers. Conduct trainings and stakeholder meetings. Engage with internal Amica Center committees and working groups to contribute to growth and strategy. Perform administrative tasks related to casework; Amica Center attorneys do not have dedicated paralegals and non-attorney staff assist with client-facing tasks. [1] This list is illustrative and not a complete classification of all job functions. What Else You Should Know
Position Type:
Exempt, Full-Time Supervisory Responsibility:
This role will involve supervision of one or several staff members. Reports to:
Managing Attorney Timeline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Start date is TBD. Salary:
$67,800-$85,600; commensurate with relevant experience per Amica Center’s salary scale. Travel:
This position may require travel to courts and jail visits as needed. Location:
This position is based in Washington, DC. While local applicants are preferred, qualified remote non-local applicants may work remotely during US Eastern working hours and should live within approximately 30 miles of their home office. Telework:
All Amica Center staff, interns, and volunteers are working remotely. Some positions may require residence within 30 miles of the primary office. A hybrid option may be available, in accordance with COVID-19 policies. COVID-19 Vaccination:
All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Fully vaccinated means completing the full dosages as designated by the CDC; boosters must be obtained within 30 days of eligibility if recommended. Benefits
Amica Center’s benefits package includes: free gym access (dependent on primary office), flexible hours after training and supervisor approval, pre-tax commuter benefits, subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending account, HSA employer contribution, and 403(b) with potential employer matching after one year. Paid Time Off: 23 personal days per year Up to 20 sick days per year 7 hours of Volunteer Time Off per year Federal holidays Paid winter break closure 12 weeks of parental leave How to Apply
Submit your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. Amica Center for Immigrants’ Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Amica Center conforms to all applicable laws and regulations. Anti-Racism Statement
https://amicacenter.org/becoming-anti-racist/ Competencies Required: Legal Proficiency
- The Senior Attorney demonstrates a solid understanding of legal concepts with limited supervision, communicates effectively in writing and orally, and has supervised others. Demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. Client and Programmatic Proficiency
- Manages programmatic obligations, mentoring caseloads, and supervision to ensure efficiency and efficacy. Administrative
- Maintains administrative aspects including timekeeping and file upkeep without need for constant managerial intervention. Qualifications Required: JD and at least 2 years of experience in federal appellate and/or district court litigation. Admitted to practice in Virginia or willing to sit for Virginia bar exam; admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or willing to be admitted. Excellent legal research and writing skills. Dedication to immigrants’ rights. Creative, entrepreneurial thinking with a self-starter attitude. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement innovative litigation approaches. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, strategies, and circumstances. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supervising attorneys and building systems. Immigration law experience. Preference for Spanish-speaking candidates. Salary Description:
$67,800-$85,600
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Who We Are:
The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is now Amica Center for Immigrant Rights ("Amica Center"). Amica Center has grown and expanded beyond our original name and geographic boundaries to support immigrants in detention.
Amica
means "friend" in Latin, reflecting our approach to supporting clients in achieving safety, stability, and opportunity. We are the only non-profit in the Washington, D.C. area exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond. Our Work Environment:
Amica Center’s Immigration Impact Lab is a highly collaborative, trauma‑informed, client‑focused work environment. We support staff development and create systems that balance structure with innovation and adaptability across teams. Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Attorney to help lead the Immigration Impact Lab’s expansion of impact litigation and referral systems in new circuits, particularly the Third, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits. The Senior Attorney will work with the appellate and federal litigation team to achieve Lab goals, including: Conduct broad-based legal research, case development, and written pleadings involving novel immigration claims. Provide direct legal services to immigrants through appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and federal circuit and district courts. Work with pro bono attorneys through co-counseling, mentoring, and trainings. Supervise staff attorneys, legal assistants, and interns. Manage program projects and contribute to program development, including fundraising and thought leadership opportunities such as media, panels, and webinars. General Duties and Responsibilities
Representation: Supervise staff attorneys, interns, and potentially legal assistants on Lab goals and cases. Engage in federal impact litigation, including habeas petitions and appeals, and related tasks such as identifying and developing potential affirmative impact litigation. Conduct legal research and draft pleadings for federal courts and immigration agencies. Represent clients at the BIA, federal circuit courts of appeals, and federal district courts, and draft amicus briefs as needed. Investigate and collect information to support federal court litigation. Lead at least one large-scale litigation effort per year (e.g., class action or circuit court case of national importance) internally and with co-counsel and external stakeholders. Manage program projects supporting impact litigation. Collaborate with other Amica Center programs to develop innovative arguments for direct legal representations of detained clients and to identify novel issues for appeals and impact litigation. Manage a caseload of in-house and pro bono co-counseling cases to ensure timely, high-quality filings. Provide technical legal assistance to advocates on issues affecting immigrants at risk of detention and deportation, including intersection of criminal and immigration law. Mentor and co-counsel with pro bono and nonprofit attorneys through life of cases; educate pro bono attorneys through trainings and resources. Implement the Immigration Impact Lab’s programmatic priorities, including supervising and mentoring staff on complex litigation and appeals. Organizational Services: Assist program management with long-term planning and strategy. Ensure accurate data entry and timely updates in shared databases. Participate in stakeholder meetings with community groups, governmental bodies, and other legal service providers. Conduct trainings and stakeholder meetings. Engage with internal Amica Center committees and working groups to contribute to growth and strategy. Perform administrative tasks related to casework; Amica Center attorneys do not have dedicated paralegals and non-attorney staff assist with client-facing tasks. [1] This list is illustrative and not a complete classification of all job functions. What Else You Should Know
Position Type:
Exempt, Full-Time Supervisory Responsibility:
This role will involve supervision of one or several staff members. Reports to:
Managing Attorney Timeline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Start date is TBD. Salary:
$67,800-$85,600; commensurate with relevant experience per Amica Center’s salary scale. Travel:
This position may require travel to courts and jail visits as needed. Location:
This position is based in Washington, DC. While local applicants are preferred, qualified remote non-local applicants may work remotely during US Eastern working hours and should live within approximately 30 miles of their home office. Telework:
All Amica Center staff, interns, and volunteers are working remotely. Some positions may require residence within 30 miles of the primary office. A hybrid option may be available, in accordance with COVID-19 policies. COVID-19 Vaccination:
All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Fully vaccinated means completing the full dosages as designated by the CDC; boosters must be obtained within 30 days of eligibility if recommended. Benefits
Amica Center’s benefits package includes: free gym access (dependent on primary office), flexible hours after training and supervisor approval, pre-tax commuter benefits, subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending account, HSA employer contribution, and 403(b) with potential employer matching after one year. Paid Time Off: 23 personal days per year Up to 20 sick days per year 7 hours of Volunteer Time Off per year Federal holidays Paid winter break closure 12 weeks of parental leave How to Apply
Submit your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest, and a writing sample with your Paylocity application. Amica Center for Immigrants’ Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Amica Center conforms to all applicable laws and regulations. Anti-Racism Statement
https://amicacenter.org/becoming-anti-racist/ Competencies Required: Legal Proficiency
- The Senior Attorney demonstrates a solid understanding of legal concepts with limited supervision, communicates effectively in writing and orally, and has supervised others. Demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed practices. Client and Programmatic Proficiency
- Manages programmatic obligations, mentoring caseloads, and supervision to ensure efficiency and efficacy. Administrative
- Maintains administrative aspects including timekeeping and file upkeep without need for constant managerial intervention. Qualifications Required: JD and at least 2 years of experience in federal appellate and/or district court litigation. Admitted to practice in Virginia or willing to sit for Virginia bar exam; admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or willing to be admitted. Excellent legal research and writing skills. Dedication to immigrants’ rights. Creative, entrepreneurial thinking with a self-starter attitude. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement innovative litigation approaches. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, strategies, and circumstances. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supervising attorneys and building systems. Immigration law experience. Preference for Spanish-speaking candidates. Salary Description:
$67,800-$85,600
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