Litigation Attorney

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.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and or social justice.
• Ability to manage multiple complex cases and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of prior federal litigation experience, with at least 1 year in immigration or civil rights litigation. Litigation related fellowships and federal clerkships are considered relevant
• Experience working with vulnerable or trauma-affected populations using a trauma-informed approach.
• Membership in the Texas bar preferred.
• Spanish proficiency preferred.

Attributes:

• Must demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES' mission, vision, and values - Proactive, Inclusion, Empowerment, Compassion, and Excellence.
• Comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment, compassionate toward individuals served, and a basic understanding of immigration and refugee services.
• Sound judgment and sensitivity to highly confidential information.
• Highly organized and able to work collaboratively and autonomously in a fast-moving environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and creatively while inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals.
• Physical requirements may include carrying up to 25 lbs., loading and unloading donated items, and standing and carrying items.
• Highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Willingness to travel, as needed, for RAICES meetings and events and for cases.

Hybrid Work Plan

PLEASE NOTE: Employees are expected to live within the assigned geographic location to commute to and from the office or assigned on-site location(s) as business or client needs require.

• Currently, all interviews are virtual.
• All positions will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location.
• Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.

RAICES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.