Removal Defense Attorney (3 Years)

Northbrook, Illinois, he Dworsky Law Firm , 3400 Dundee Road, Suite 200, Northbrook, Illinois Full-time associate position. Reports to the managing partner. The position We are an immigration firm with about 25 years of practice. We are hiring an associate who has already stood up in immigration court on his or her own cases and can carry a removal docket from the first master calendar hearing through the individual hearing and any appeal. Most of the docket is before the Chicago Immigration Court, with detained matters on the bond and custody side. Three years of practice in removal defense, with first-chair responsibility for the items below. Candidates should be ready to describe specific cases for each. Removal proceedings

Appearing alone at master calendar hearings: pleadings to the Notice to Appear, admitting or denying allegations, contesting removability, and designating relief. Filing motions before the immigration judge, including motions to continue, change venue, terminate, and reopen or reconsider. Preparing pre-hearing filings to meet the Immigration Court Practice Manual deadlines, including witness lists, exhibit indexes and briefs. Conducting direct examination of respondents and witnesses, cross-examination of government witnesses, and responding to DHS counsel's objections at individual hearings. Working with court interpreters and preparing clients to testify through an interpreter. Filing and practicing through EOIR's electronic systems (ECAS) and entering appearances on Form EOIR-28.

Asylum, withholding and CAT

Preparing Form I-589 applications in defensive proceedings, including the client declaration, country conditions evidence and corroborating documents. Litigating asylum (INA § 208), withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture protection at individual hearings. Framing particular social group claims and briefing nexus, persecution, internal relocation and the one-year filing deadline and its exceptions (INA § 208(a)(2)(B), (D)). Handling credible fear and reasonable fear reviews before the immigration judge.

Cancellation of removal

Preparing non-permanent resident cancellation cases under INA § 240A(b)(1) on Form EOIR-42B, including proof of ten years of continuous physical presence, good moral character and exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to qualifying relatives. Preparing LPR cancellation cases under INA § 240A(a) on Form EOIR-42A. Analyzing the stop-time rule (INA § 240A(d)) and criminal bars, and working with criminal defense counsel on the immigration consequences of dispositions. Assembling hardship evidence: medical and school records, psychological evaluations and expert declarations.

Bond and custody

Moving for bond redeterminations before the immigration judge, and arguing danger and flight risk. Assembling bond packets: sponsor letters, proof of residence and employment, community letters and criminal record dispositions. Identifying mandatory detention under INA § 236(c) and arguing jurisdictional issues on custody. Coordinating with ICE for detained client visits and posting bonds after they are granted.

Appeals

Filing Notices of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals on Form EOIR-26 and writing the appeal brief. Familiarity with petitions for review in the Seventh Circuit is preferred but not required.

Other requirements

J.D. and active license in good standing in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia. Illinois licensure is preferred. No public discipline. Writing samples: one brief or motion filed in immigration court or at the BIA, with client identifiers redacted. Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian or another language spoken by our clients is helpful. Prepared to sponsor the successful candidate. Commensurate with experience, plus bonus. Healthcare stipend. 3 weeks paid leave. Hybrid schedule will be considered after three months.