Immigration Attorney (Padilla Advisals)

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed oriented Padilla Attorney for our Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit (CDU). The CDU will provide direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the CDU will provide immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. In addition, the CDU serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney (Padilla Advisals) will provide immigration analysis and advice to the 200+ attorneys at the Defender Association for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. Working directly with the other attorneys in the CDU and other Units, the Immigration Attorney will be responsible for providing current and detailed assessments of the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain in-house referral system for all cases involving non-citizen clients.
• Review individual case files and conduct all necessary legal research.
• Consult directly with trial attorneys representing immigration clients in court and with other members of the CDU.
• Be available through telephone or email communication, when not present at the Defender office, to at least receive and acknowledge inquiries regarding the immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
• Conduct immigration interviews and consultations when necessary, including interviews of clients in criminal and immigration custody.
• Consult with attorneys and other staff members on immigration matters.
• Prepare written memoranda on the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges for noncitizen clients.
• Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff, as well as external trainings and CLE presentations.
• Prepare and maintain resource materials on the immigration consequences of Pennsylvania crimes, notably the “Defender’s Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania.”
• Act as point person for contact on all criminal-immigration matters between the Defender, the Chief of the Unit, and other immigration service providers.
• Meet with potential clients for consultations, determine appropriate course of action, and prepare initial case files.
• Liaise with other Defender Association offices and attorneys on collateral consequences of criminal convictions.
• Assist other CDU attorneys with federal court actions involving non-citizen criminal defendants.
• Collect and maintain data related to arrests, advice, and representation of non-citizen clients, as directed by the Chief of the Unit
• Appear in court to present testimony on immigration consequences of criminal convictions, as needed.
• If desired, appear in criminal court to directly represent clients facing immigration consequences

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctorate Degree required; Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania
• Admission to practice in the Federal Courts preferred, but may be obtained within a reasonable time of employment required
• Experience working with multicultural immigrant communities
• At least two years of experience representing individuals in criminal or removal proceedings/USCIS is preferred. Clinical experience will be considered, as will other experience demonstrating knowledge of the immigration consequences of interaction with the criminal justice system.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or French is preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills
• Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment
• Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Paid eight weeks of parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Impactful mission driven work
• Wellness Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

Salary:

• Compensation is competitive and is scaled based on relevant experience post-bar admission. Includes a premier benefits package

Application:

Please submit an online application with detailed cover letter and writing sample (maximum 20 pages)

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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