Litigation Attorney (30438)

Position Overview: 

RAICES seeks a dedicated and mission-driven Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic legal team to advance systemic change through impact litigation in immigration law. The Litigation Attorney will lead or support strategic federal litigation efforts at all phases—administrative, trial, and appellate—with a focus on protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant communities. This role requires a collaborative, strategic thinker who can balance litigation responsibilities with community engagement, supervision of legal support staff, and interdepartmental coordination. 

Responsibilities:

Litigation and Case Management

• Lead or participate in litigation cases through all stages: pre-filing analysis, administrative processes, motion practice, trial proceedings, and appellate practice.
• Perform comprehensive legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and memoranda in support of litigation strategies.
• Conduct discovery in appropriate cases, including by drafting and responding to discovery requests, taking and defending depositions, and managing evidence and exhibits.
• Conduct case assessments to evaluate litigation viability and determine the potential for impact litigation.
• Work in collaboration with co-counsel and coalition partners to identify and pursue litigation opportunities aligned with RAICES’ mission.
• Coordinate litigation strategies and timelines with program staff, communications, and policy teams as needed.

Oversight and Technical Support

• Oversee legal support staff (e.g., legal assistants, paralegals, law clerks) as assigned, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Provide mentorship and training to legal support staff in litigation procedures and case preparation.
• Provide technical assistance and strategic guidance to pro bono attorneys.

Administrative and Grant Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate data entry into case management systems in accordance with RAICES’ internal protocols and grant requirements.
• Contribute to preparation of grant reports, litigation summaries, and data collection related to litigation outputs and outcomes.
• Participate in internal legal team meetings and contribute to the development of litigation priorities and practices.

Community Engagement and Representation

• Represent RAICES in stakeholder meetings, coalition convenings, and inter-agency collaborations.
• Participate in community presentations, outreach activities, and legal clinics as needed.
• Support public education efforts and make occasional media appearances in coordination with the External Affairs team.

Client-Centered Advocacy

• Conduct trauma-informed consultations with prospective and current clients.
• Provide limited pro se assistance to individuals navigating immigration processes related to ongoing litigation, including guidance on filing forms and understanding procedural requirements.
• Uphold client confidentiality and ethical obligations in all interactions and communications.

Other Duties

• Participate in staff-wide training, strategic planning retreats, and organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Legal Director, Director of Strategic Litigation, or Assistant Director of Strategic Litigation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Current bar membership in good standing within the United States.
• Prior federal litigation experience.