UC Immigrant Legal Services Senior Removal Defense Attorney (STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3)

THIS POSITION WILL LEAD THE UC CENTER'S REMOVAL DEFENSE WORK, INCLUDING RESPONDING TO IMMIGRATION ARRESTS AND DETENTIONS ACROSS CALIFORNIA WITH SUPPORT FROM UC CENTER CAMPUS-BASED ATTORNEYS, PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN IMMIGRATION COURT (DETAINED AND NON-DETAINED), MENTOR AND SUPERVISE STAFF TO BUILD REMOVAL DEFENSE KNOWLEDGE, ASSIST WITH RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, AND SUPPORT FEDERAL COURT LITIGATION. THIS IS A FULL-TIME, TWO-YEAR CONTRACT POSITION WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSION. HYBRID OR REMOTE WORK OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE LIVING IN CALIFORNIA.

The UC Immigration Legal Services Center (UCIMM) is a university-based, immigration legal services program headquartered at the UC Davis School of Law with staff present and providing legal services at all UC campuses. We provide advice and counsel and direct legal representation in immigration matters, and engage in education and outreach, advocacy, and other strategic initiatives. We offer free services to enrolled undocumented and other immigrant UC students, including U.S. citizens in mixed status families; UC staff and faculty, and low-income immediate family members of enrolled UC students, and some alumni.

Under general direction of the Executive Director, this attorney will be responsible for leading and building the UC Center's Removal Defense practice, with a focus on representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) in both detained and non-detained cases, as well as filing appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and petitions for review before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This includes bond hearings, master calendar hearings, motions practice, and individual merits hearings. The attorney will prepare and file applications for relief from removal, including Asylum/Withholding of Removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), Cancellation of Removal, Adjustment of Status in proceedings, and other forms of relief available in immigration court. Depending on capacity and need, this attorney may also be assigned cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U Non-Immigrant Visas, and Family-Based Petitions, among others.

An attorney in this role will be expected to be the first responder at the UC Center in removal defense. This includes travel to immigrant detention centers across California, and other locales as part of comprehensive representation before EOIR and other agencies, as necessary. Travel to various UC campuses for client or team meetings, including UC Davis, will also be expected.

This attorney will supervise and mentor attorneys and other staff on removal defense cases as part of building the UC Center's overall removal defense capacity. Their work in this area will require collaboration with various team members, overseeing case preparation and workflow, maintaining organization, accuracy, and compliance across assigned matters, and ensuring efficient case management and strong client service. The attorney will be expected to closely follow changes to law, policy, and practice before EOIR.

Additionally, this attorney will be expected to assist in our growing Federal Litigation practice, particularly habeas petitions, and any other litigation that may intersect with removal defense before EOIR.

Apply By Date

October 12, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• J.D. degree and California State Bar member in good standing.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience representing detained immigrants in removal proceedings;
• Demonstrated experience handling a removal defense docket (including detained and non-detained) of approximately 25-30 cases, including ability to develop and lead case strategy;
• Demonstrated experience handling a wide range of matters in immigration court, including representation in a substantial number of bond hearings, master calendar hearings, and merits hearings;
• Experience filing and briefing BIA appeals and/or federal court litigation;
• Ability to manage litigation matters with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to mentor and supervise junior staff;
• Must be fully fluent in Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience filing habeas petitions;
• Experience in complex motions practice, including Motions to Reopen and Motions to Suppress;
• Experience working with students and immigrant community organizations and providing trauma-informed client services.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and move work forward; flexible, innovative, able to quickly adapt to changing program needs, and highly-motivated.
  

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Legal Counsel and Outreach
• 30% - Supervision

Department Overview

The UC Davis School of Law is a top tier US law school finishing high in every ranking of note, but we value diversity, equity and inclusion as highly as academic excellence. The mission of the School of Law is to be a nationally and internationally recognized leader in the development and dissemination of legal knowledge, as well as the education of students to become socially responsible lawyers committed to professional excellence and high ethical standards, and to provide significant public service through law reform and professional activities. Through its faculty, students, and graduates, the School of Law seeks to make substantial contributions toward solving the complex legal problems confronting our society. The outstanding scholarly reputation, high rankings, small size, dedicated faculty of internationally renowned scholars, and uniquely supportive learning environment combine for an experience of legal education that is second to none to the students. The UC Davis School of Law offers a three-year full-time program leading to the Juris Doctor Degree, as well as programs for LL.M. and combined degrees.

The UC Immigration Legal Services Center (UCIMM) is a college-based, immigration legal services program headquartered at the UC Davis School of Law with staff providing services at all UC campuses. We provide advice and counsel and direct legal representation in immigration matters, and engage in education and outreach, advocacy, and other strategic initiatives. We offer free services to enrolled undocumented and other immigrant UC students, including U.S. citizens in mixed status families; UC staff and faculty, and low-income immediate family members of enrolled UC students, and some alumni.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $115,000/yr. - $125,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: STDT LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 3
• UC Job Code: 000558
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 2 year Contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends. Position will entail travel to other UC campuses or elsewhere.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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