Directing Attorney – Rapid Response

General Information

Job Title: Directing Attorney – Rapid Response

Location: 634 S. Spring Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States

Base Pay: $115000.00 - $135000.00 / Year

Employee Type: FT Exempt

Job Category: Legal, Immigration, Management

Industry: Legal, Immigration, Law

Manage Others: Yes

Description

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 experienced and a 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;

For Managing Attorneys: Minimum 3 years of legal practice, including 2 years of immigration removal defense experience;

For Directing Attorneys: Minimum 6 years of legal practice, including 4 years of immigration removal defense experience, and minimum 2 years of supervisory or management experience, including mentoring attorneys handling complex and high-volume caseloads.

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;

Experience representing immigrants with juvenile delinquency or criminal history;

Familiarity with evolving immigration and border policies;

Knowledge of best practices in working with clients with mental competency issues, including those suffering from mental health challenges and children;

Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills;

Willingness to zealously pursue new and untested legal theories;

Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and problem-solving skills;

Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure;

Experience managing, teaching and mentoring staff;

Ability to work collaboratively and to handle multiple demands in a sometimes hectic and busy environment;

DACA Recipients encouraged to apply!