Contract Appellate Immigration Attorney

Core responsibilities:

• Supervise Pangea attorneys representing clients in habeas petitions and appeals, including mentorship, document review, and editing
• Represent clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and in federal courts, primarily petitions for review at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and habeas petitions before federal district courts in California
• Develop template briefs or language on novel legal issues likely to impact numerous Pangea clients
• Maintain knowledge of relevant new BIA, circuit court, and Supreme Court precedent decisions and disseminate updates and analysis to Pangea's legal team

This role defends immigrants against deportation through appellate litigation, helping protect their rights to move and resettle across borders with dignity and respect, contributing to the larger movement for immigrants' rights.

Required qualifications:

• Active license to practice law in the United States
• Significant experience in appellate immigration litigation (5+ years)
• Experience with habeas litigation
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and issue-spotting skills
• Ability to manage assigned matters independently and meet court-imposed deadlines
• Strong professional judgment and attention to detail

Preferred qualifications:

• California bar membership
• Admission to practice before the Ninth Circuit
• Prior experience collaborating with nonprofit or movement-based legal organizations

Compensation on an hourly or project basis, commensurate with experience. This is an independent contractor position with no employee benefits. Part-time, flexible hours (10-35 hours/week). Contractor provides their own workspace, equipment, and professional tools.

Pangea Legal Services defends immigrants against deportation, promotes community education and empowerment, and engages in policy advocacy. They work toward a world where people have the right to move and resettle across borders with dignity and respect.