Job Description

Position Title: Associate Attorney – Removal Defense

Location: Houston, TX (On-site or Hybrid)

Compensation:

• $65,000 (Associate – primarily virtual)
• $80,000+ (Hybrid / in-office schedule)

Open to more senior candidates; compensation can adjust accordingly.

About the Firm

The Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon is immigration firm that believes every client deserves compassionate, high-quality legal representation. The firm has an efficient virtual operations structure, with paralegal and case support teams. The culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and built on the belief that clients are more than case numbers.

The firm currently manages a large volume of affirmative immigration cases (family-based, humanitarian, naturalization, etc.). They are now expanding their removal defense practice, bringing these cases back in-house instead of referring them out.

If your passion is being in the courtroom advocating for clients, this is the role.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney specializing in Removal Defense to take a lead role in immigration court representation (EOIR). This person will handle an active caseload, appear in court frequently, and help strengthen the firm’s removal defense practice.

The ideal candidate is:

• Confident in court
• Experienced in removal defense strategy and filings
• Resourceful and proactive
• A team player who supports remote paralegals and collaborates closely with the managing attorney

Responsibilities

Primary Focus: Removal Defense / EOIR Work

• Represent clients in immigration court, including master and individual hearings
• Prepare and file motions, briefs, evidence packets, and supporting documentation
• Develop case strategy and advise clients throughout the process
• Conduct legal research, draft briefs, motions to reconsider / reopen, and appeals

Additional Responsibilities (as needed)

• Attend USCIS interviews and review submission packets
• Support affirmative cases during lighter removal periods
• Collaborate with remote paralegals located in Jamaica and Colombia

You will NOT:

• Handle intake calls
• Do high-volume churn work — this is quality litigation, not factory-style case management

Requirements

• 5+ years of removal defense experience (required)
• Proven success litigating immigration matters in EOIR
• Comfortable managing a heavy court docket and preparing filings independently
• Licensed Attorney in the U.S. (Texas preferred or willingness to waive in)

Preferred (but not required):

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Experience mentoring or coordinating with remote paralegal teams

Core Values & Traits

We are looking for someone who is:

• All-in (committed to clients and outcomes)
• Flexible (adaptable to change and new processes)
• Forward-thinking (innovative, open to improving workflows)
• A team player (collaborates well with support staff in other countries)

Culture

• Supportive environment
• Open communication and collaboration
• Systems already in place (remote paralegals handle packet building and admin tasks)
• Your focus is advocacy and courtroom success

Why This Firm

• You will be the lead on removal defense, not just another attorney in a hierarchy
• Your expertise will shape the future of the firm’s litigation practice
• Strong support structure, you are not doing everything alone
• Opportunity to grow into a senior or leadership role

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