OPEN POSITIONS

Staff Attorney

Full-Time | Remote | Reports to Managing Attorney

Who We Are

Sanctuary of the South is a grassroots, private legal services organization with a mission - to build community power and action to sustain the rule of law, create a better democracy, and ensure justice. We do this by making legal representation more accessible and creating an equitable model that partners with our clients in advocating for their rights and supports our staff in their critical work. 

We provide legal representation, safety planning services, and community advocacy throughout the South. Our practice centers on direct legal representation for individuals in ICE custody and federal impact litigation to hold the government accountable. Our legal services are provided on a sliding scale, with a special focus on keeping immigrant communities safe from violence and preventing family separation caused by ICE enforcement, detention, and deportation.

About This Role

We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Staff Attorney with 2–5 years of experience to join our team. The ideal candidate has prior experience in immigration law/advocacy, is fluent in Spanish, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This position offers meaningful, hands-on legal work and the opportunity to make a real impact in clients’ lives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide direct legal representation for immigrants in ICE custody, including bond, asylum, and other defensive applications for relief.

  • Serve as a key legal team member on federal litigation matters.

  • Conduct client consultations, fact-gathering, and legal research.

  • Draft complaints, legal briefs, motions, and other filings for both immigration and federal matters.

  • Handle discovery, depositions, and motion practices for federal cases.

  • Communicate effectively with clients, often in Spanish, providing updates and guidance throughout their cases.

  • Communicate directly with ICE and DHS regarding client matters, requests for parole, and filing administrative complaints.

  • Maintain organized case files and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented manner.

  • Collaborate with paralegals and support staff to ensure efficient case management.

  • Work with coalition partners and nonprofit organizations to build advocacy and innovative legal programs.

  • Serve as a spokesperson about SOS’ work and engage with the media as necessary to further legal advocacy.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school.

  • Active license to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction (state bar admission required; admission to a southeastern state bar preferred).

  • 2–5 years of legal experience, either in federal litigation or immigration law.

  • Fluency in Spanish (written and spoken) required.

  • Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-focused approach.

  • Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines simultaneously.

  • Commitment to social justice and serving immigrant communities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with defensive immigration representation in the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).

  • Federal litigation experience, with specific experience with petitions for habeas corpus, the Federal Tort Claims Act, and/or 42 U.S.C. 1983 cases preferred.

  • Familiarity with immigration and federal case portals (ECAS and Pacer).

  • Familiarity with case management software (e.g., Docketwise, CLIO, or similar).

  • Prior work in a small or boutique law firm environment or nonprofit legal services organization.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to sos@sanctuaryofthesouth.com:

  • Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience

  • Resume