Application Guide
How to Apply for Repost- U.S. Litigation Deputy Director
at International Refugee Assistance Project
🏢 About International Refugee Assistance Project
IRAP is unique as a global legal aid organization that combines direct legal services with systemic advocacy to protect displaced people's rights. Unlike traditional legal nonprofits, IRAP operates at the intersection of litigation, policy, and community partnerships to create lasting change for refugees and immigrants. Working here offers the opportunity to directly impact vulnerable populations while engaging in high-stakes federal litigation.
About This Role
As U.S. Litigation Deputy Director, you'll oversee programmatic work while maintaining your own litigation caseload, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on legal work. This role is impactful because you'll shape litigation strategies that directly affect refugee rights while mentoring the next generation of advocates. You'll bridge case-level advocacy with IRAP's broader mission through team coordination and retreat organization.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning strategy sessions with the Senior Director on department priorities, followed by drafting briefs for active litigation cases. Afternoons could include supervising attorneys on case development, coordinating with community partners on advocacy alignment, and planning team-building events to maintain cohesion in a remote environment. The role balances immediate legal work with longer-term program oversight.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who International Refugee Assistance Project Is Looking For
- A U.S.-licensed attorney with 7+ years of federal litigation experience, specifically in refugee/immigration law contexts
- Someone who understands how federal court litigation intersects with U.S. policy, media narratives, and community advocacy for immigrant rights
- A leader with demonstrated experience working with community-based organizations and NGO partners in collaborative advocacy models
- A supervisor who can mentor litigation attorneys and staff while maintaining their own active caseload of complex matters
📝 Tips for Applying to International Refugee Assistance Project
Quantify your federal litigation experience - specify number of cases, types of motions filed, and outcomes in refugee/immigration contexts
Highlight specific examples of working with community-based partners on refugee/immigrant rights issues, not just general NGO collaboration
Demonstrate understanding of IRAP's dual approach by showing both direct service experience AND systemic advocacy work
Include examples of mentoring/supervision in legal settings, especially with junior attorneys on complex litigation
Reference specific IRAP cases or advocacy campaigns to show you've researched their litigation strategy and impact
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific federal litigation experience in refugee/immigration law with concrete examples of cases or motions', "How you've integrated litigation with policy advocacy and community partnerships in past roles", 'Your approach to mentoring legal staff while maintaining an active caseload', "Why IRAP's model of combining direct services with systemic change resonates with your professional philosophy"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → IRAP's recent litigation victories and ongoing cases in U.S. federal courts
- → The organization's strategic plan and how litigation fits into broader advocacy goals
- → IRAP's community partnership model and specific organizations they collaborate with
- → Current U.S. policy debates affecting refugee rights that IRAP is engaged in
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on litigation experience without demonstrating understanding of refugee/immigration law specifics
- Presenting as purely a litigator without showing ability to work with community partners or understand policy context
- Applying with generic human rights experience rather than U.S.-specific federal litigation in refugee/immigration law
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to International Refugee Assistance Project!