ABOUT THE JOB - IMMIGRANT DEFENSE SENIOR FELLOW

WLC’s mission is to advance racial equity and justice in DC, Maryland, Virginia (“DMV”). Since 1968, WLC has fought for the civil rights of low-income families and communities. WLC is committed to the defense of local immigrant communities and to challenging policies that cause harm to these communities. In 2025, WLC has brought litigation to challenge the executive order aimed at ending constitutional birthright citizenship for infants born on U.S. soil. WLC has also pursued litigation to preserve Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, Afghans, and Cameroonians living in the DMV and across the country. Other potential litigation is currently under consideration.

The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (“WLC”) seeks applicants for the full-time position of Immigrant Defense Senior Fellow. This position will focus on broad-based challenges to federal immigration policy primarily on behalf of community organizations, using the Administrative Procedures Act and the United States Constitution. WLC does not provide direct immigration services (e.g., asylum applications, removal proceedings, etc.) to individuals. This position is grant-based and term-limited to one year, though we are actively seeking funds to renew it for an additional term.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

We seek an experienced litigator to join a small team working to protect immigrants in the DMV by pursuing challenges to unlawful immigration policies. This is a hybrid role with in-office requirements of three (3) days per week – every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in our downtown DC office. The selected applicant must reside full-time in the DMV.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Manage and conduct all aspects of litigation including investigation and case development, legal research and writing, discovery, motions practice, and evidentiary hearings/trial as part of a team comprised of WLC staff and private bar co-counsel. The Senior Fellow will work closely with organizers in impacted communities and advocacy groups to identify the issues of most concern to the communities the WLC serves.

• Engage in community outreach and public speaking, including representing WLC to the media and the public.

• Work closely with non-legal program staff, including communications and fundraising professionals.

• Develop strong co-counsel relationships with private pro bono attorneys and other nonprofit public interest attorneys.

• Travel, as required for litigation, conferences, and public speaking.

• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. degree; bar admission in DC, MD, and/or VA or ability to waive in

• Five or more years of demonstrated commitment to public interest law, constitutional law, immigrants’ rights, and/or civil rights

• Knowledge of Administrative Procedure Act, constitutional law, and/or immigration law

• Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact investigation in impact litigation under tight deadlines, including in an emergency or preliminary injunction phase

• Superior analytic skills and excellent research skills

• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly, persuasively, and creatively

• Self-motivated, diligent, and able to meet deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide range of organizations with diverse agendas

• Ability to work independently, as well as with a wide range of people in a dynamic work environment

• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Mandarin

COMPENSATION

Salary is determined pursuant to WLC’s pay scale, which is available on our website. The range for this position is $80,250 (assuming five years of experience) to $134,250 (the top of the scale). Benefits will be commensurate with the benefits provided to permanent staff attorneys employed by WLC, including:

• Generous paid time-off

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave)

• 401k plan

• Commuter benefits

• Telework option -- two days per week (Mondays, Fridays

HOW TO APPLY

A complete application will consist of:

1. Cover letter (no longer than two pages) explaining the ways in which you meet the selection criteria
2. Current resume
3. List of three references
4. Legal writing sample

OUR COMMITMENT TO DEI: Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our work to advance equality and justice for all. We are committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We embrace a collective responsibility to create a culture that respects difference, treats staff equitably, and empowers staff to do the best work possible. We are committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism internally and externally. Whether in court or at the office, we believe that “We the People” means all of us.

WLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email Washington Lawyers’ Committee <justice@washlaw.org>. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.