Staff Attorney - Immigration Law Unit

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Job location
197 Friend St
Boston, MA 02114
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Greater Boston Legal Services
Street address: 
197 Friend St
City: 
Boston
State: 
Massachusetts
ZIP: 
02114
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) is committed to fair employment practices. We are proud to employ staff with cultural and linguistic competency to work within a variety of communities.

GBLS seeks a full-time staff attorney with 0 to 3 years of experience to join our Immigration Unit (IU). The attorney will primarily represent clients in removal proceedings on a variety of matters, with an emphasis on defensive asylum, detained and non-detained removal defense, and other complex litigation matters. We are seeking an attorney who is eager to take on challenging cases, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and provide high-quality representation to clients facing urgent and life-altering immigration consequences.

Responsibilities of the Staff Attorney will include:
• Representing individuals in both detained and non-detained proceedings, including cases involving complex factual, legal, and procedural issues;
• Responding effectively to urgent client needs, court deadlines, detention-related emergencies, and rapidly changing circumstances;
• Participating fully in GBLS' internal intake process, community legal clinics, and other outreach programs;
• Participating actively in community and legal coalitions to respond to emerging and emergency legal needs in the immigrant community;
• Assisting with general administrative tasks and grant reporting as appropriate.

Salary is based on a union scale, with a starting annual salary range for July 2026 from $78,000 to $82,500, depending on experience. Potential salary increase in the future will be determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. GBLS offers an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid time off and Student Loan Assistance for qualified employees. A hybrid work schedule is available.

Requirements: 

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to manage challenging litigation matters, prioritize competing demands, and perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments;
• We are looking for a candidate who takes initiative, is comfortable working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and enjoys collaborating with team members and outside organizations and coalitions;
• The candidate must have excellent oral advocacy, legal writing, and client communication skills;
• Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese is preferred but not required;
• This position is for an attorney with 0 to 3 years of legal experience. Per GBLS' union rules, eligible candidates must have graduated from law school between May 2023 and May 2026. We cannot consider applicants who fall outside this range;
• Massachusetts bar admission required. Candidates graduating in May 2026 must take the next available bar examination.

To apply: 

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample to the GBLS Human Resources Department by email at [email protected]. Please refer to Job Code: IMM-ATT when applying for this position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but applicants are encouraged to submit applications by June 30, 2026.

At GBLS, we recognize our strength comes from the unique contributions of each team member. We invite candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to apply.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$78,000 - $82,500
Submission deadline: 
Thursday, July 30, 2026