Directing Attorney – Rapid Response

Immigrant Defenders Law Center ("ImmDef") is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality, client-centered legal representation to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone, and our universal representation model is a critical step toward that goal. Learn more at www.immdef.org.

Position Summary

ImmDef is seeking an experienced and dynamic Directing Attorney to lead key initiatives within our organization. Directing Attorneys serve in senior leadership roles responsible for program oversight, staff supervision, strategic planning, and high-level legal and advocacy work. These roles ensure the delivery of high-quality services while strengthening ImmDef's impact across Southern California.

Program Overview: Rapid Response Program

ImmDef's Rapid Response Program provides urgent, time-sensitive legal services to individuals impacted by immigration enforcement, including raids, arrests, and detention.

The Directing Attorney for Rapid Response will oversee a fast-paced legal team delivering real-time legal interventions, including bond representation, emergency motions, and detention advocacy. This role requires strong leadership in high-pressure environments, coordination with community partners, and the ability to support rapid deployment of legal services during enforcement actions.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise Managing Attorneys, attorneys, and program staff, as applicable
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and inclusive team culture

Program Strategy & Oversight

• Lead program planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, contracts, and reporting obligations
• Collaborate with ImmDef leadership on organizational strategy and cross-program alignment

Rapid Response – Program Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of urgent legal services in response to enforcement actions
• Support and supervise attorneys handling emergency matters, including: Bond motions, Motions to reopen, Stays of removal, Habeas petitions
• Coordinate with community partners and rapid response networks
• Ensure timely and effective deployment of legal staff to detention facilities and impacted communities
• Help develop systems and protocols for rapid legal response and crisis coordination

Legal Oversight & Direct Representation

• Ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, and client-centered legal services
• Provide guidance on complex case strategy and legal developments
• Maintain a reduced caseload of complex or high-impact matters, as appropriate

External Engagement

• Represent ImmDef in meetings, coalitions, and public-facing spaces
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Support community education efforts and broader advocacy initiatives

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree, or foreign law degree and L.L.M
• Active California State Bar License or licensure from another U.S. jurisdiction and, if required, willingness to "waive into" the CA Bar via the Multi-Jurisdictional Practice Program
• Minimum 6 years of legal practice, including 4 years of immigration removal defense experience, and minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience
• Passion for social justice for immigrants required

Preferred Experience

• Experience representing children, families, and adults in applications for asylum/WOR/CAT, special immigrant juvenile status, cancellation, waivers, adjustment of status, immigration consequences of criminal convictions, bond, humanitarian parole, post-conviction relief, habeas petitions, BIA appeals, motions to reopen, and/or naturalization before USCIS or EOIR
• Experience representing immigrants detained in ICE, CBP and/or ORR custody
• Experience representing children and families in guardianship, parentage, child custody, or dependency proceedings in California for SIJS purposes
• Familiarity with evolving immigration and border policies
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing, teaching and mentoring staff
• Spanish language proficiency is strongly preferred
• DACA Recipients encouraged to apply!

Compensation & Benefits

• Directing Attorney starting salary $115,000+
• Hybrid schedule: 3 days on-site, 2 days flexible/WFH
• 13 paid holidays, 1-week paid winter break, 15 vacation days, 15 sick days per year
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (89% medical premiums covered for staff)
• 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 4%
• FSA and Dependent Care FSA
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Parking, public transportation, and cell phone stipends
• California Bar Dues covered
• Professional membership support (AILA, NIPNLG)