Application Guide

How to Apply for Staff Attorney

at Immigration Equality

🏢 About Immigration Equality

Immigration Equality is a national leader at the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge asylum cases and impact litigation for marginalized communities. Their remote-first culture and commitment to pro bono mentorship make it an ideal workplace for attorneys passionate about social justice.

About This Role

This Staff Attorney role combines direct client representation with systemic advocacy, including training and mentoring pro bono attorneys to expand the impact of LGBTQ/HIV immigration work. You'll handle complex asylum and removal defense cases while contributing to policy change and litigation that sets precedent for vulnerable populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing emails from pro bono partners needing guidance on an asylum case, then conducting a virtual intake with a new client in detention. Afternoon could involve drafting a brief for a pending removal case, followed by a team call to strategize on a policy advocacy campaign, and ending with updating training materials for an upcoming CLE.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Immigration Equality Is Looking For

  • An attorney with 3+ years of experience in removal defense or asylum law, specifically with LGBTQ+ or HIV-positive clients, who can hit the ground running on complex cases.
  • A skilled mentor who enjoys developing training materials and guiding pro bono attorneys through the nuances of LGBTQ/HIV-based claims, from intake to final submission.
  • A strong writer and communicator who can draft compelling legal briefs, conduct CLE programs, and advocate persuasively in court or before USCIS.
  • A self-starter comfortable working remotely, managing multiple cases simultaneously, and collaborating with a distributed team under pressure.

📝 Tips for Applying to Immigration Equality

1

Highlight any direct experience with asylum cases based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status, including specific examples of legal arguments or evidence you used.

2

Showcase your pro bono mentorship or training experience—mention if you've developed manuals, taught CLEs, or supervised junior attorneys on immigration matters.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize case outcomes, impact litigation, or policy advocacy that advanced LGBTQ+ or immigrant rights, not just general immigration work.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly state your commitment to intersectional justice and how your personal or professional background aligns with Immigration Equality's mission.

5

Submit a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to handle complex legal arguments in asylum or removal defense, preferably involving LGBTQ+ or HIV-related claims.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with LGBTQ+ or HIV-positive immigrants, including the unique legal and factual challenges of these cases.', "Your passion for mentorship and ability to train others, with concrete examples of how you've supported pro bono attorneys or developed educational resources.", "Your understanding of Immigration Equality's dual mission: direct representation and systemic change through impact litigation and advocacy.", 'Your ability to work remotely and manage a high caseload while maintaining attention to detail and client-centered communication.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Immigration Equality's recent impact litigation cases (e.g., challenges to the 'public charge' rule or transgender asylum bans) to understand their legal strategies.
  • → Read their 'Asylum Manual' and 'Know Your Rights' resources to understand the specific legal frameworks they use for LGBTQ/HIV claims.
  • → Follow their blog and press releases to see their current advocacy priorities and any recent policy changes affecting their clients.
  • → Check their social media and annual reports to understand their organizational culture and the communities they serve.
Visit Immigration Equality's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex asylum case you handled involving an LGBTQ+ or HIV-positive client—what were the key legal issues and how did you overcome evidentiary challenges?
2 How would you train a pro bono attorney with no immigration experience to handle a credible fear interview or prepare a declaration for an asylum application?
3 Discuss a time you collaborated on impact litigation or policy advocacy—what was your role and what was the outcome?
4 How do you prioritize and manage multiple cases with competing deadlines, especially when working remotely?
5 What do you see as the biggest current challenges facing LGBTQ+ immigrants, and how can Immigration Equality's work address them?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention LGBTQ+ or HIV-specific immigration issues—this signals a lack of genuine interest in the mission.
  • Overlooking the remote work aspect: failing to demonstrate self-discipline, communication skills, or experience working independently can hurt your candidacy.
  • Focusing solely on direct representation without acknowledging the pro bono mentorship component—this role is as much about leveraging others as doing the work yourself.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Immigration Equality!

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