Job Description

Who We Are

Blessinger Legal PLLC is a boutique immigration law firm based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. We are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the U.S. immigration system with compassion, diligence, and excellence. Our attorneys deliver high-quality, client-focused representation across a wide range of immigration matters, including proceedings before the Immigration Court, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal district courts, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Position: Associate Attorney – Removal Defense Team

Summary

Blessinger Legal PLLC seeks a passionate and skilled Associate Attorney to join our Removal Defense team. The attorney will represent individuals in Immigration Court and, depending on bar admission, may also represent clients in state courts in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia in custody matters and for special immigrant juvenile findings (SIJS).

Our removal defense practice focuses on a variety of reliefs, including, but not limited to:

• Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Convention Against Torture (CAT)
• Cancellation of Removal for both Permanent Residents and Non-Permanent Residents
• Adjustment of Status
• NACARA
• Waivers of Inadmissibility
• Motions to Terminate
• Bond Motions

This role also involves drafting legal briefs, developing legal strategies, and conducting research to craft creative solutions for complex immigration cases. We encourage attorneys to think innovatively and collaboratively.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation to detained and non-detained clients before the Immigration Court.
• Represent clients in state courts for custody hearings and SIJS findings (where applicable).
• Assess eligibility for immigration relief during and after client intake.
• Draft legal arguments, motions, and briefs with attention to detail and advocacy.
• Stay up to date on immigration law developments and contribute to internal staff training.
• Manage case-related administrative tasks, including document preparation, deadlines, and case tracking, with support from administrative staff.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and may evolve with the position.

Key Competencies

Legal Expertise

• Strong grasp of immigration law and litigation.
• Skilled in legal writing and oral advocacy.
• Ability to manage client relationships and case strategies independently.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and trauma-informed client care.

Administrative Accountability

• Responsible for maintaining accurate timekeeping, case files, and database entries.
• Meets deadlines without the need for managerial oversight.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. or LLM from a U.S. law school and active membership in any state bar or the District of Columbia.
• Minimum of one year of relevant immigration law experience (experience in criminal or family law is a plus).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bar license in Maryland or Virginia, or eligibility to waive in/sit for the bar exam.
• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.

Training & Professional Development

• Structured onboarding with recorded and live legal training on firm procedures and practice areas.
• Annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) stipend of up to $750.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (contingent on meeting billable requirements)
• Paid holidays including major federal holidays
• 401(k) with employer match (50% of voluntary contributions up to 3% of salary)
• Reimbursement of bar dues for one jurisdiction

Application Instructions

To apply, please send the following to careers@blessingerlegal.com :

• Cover letter (must include bar licensure status, Spanish fluency, possession of a driver’s license, and salary expectations)
• Resume
• Legal writing sample (10 pages or fewer)

Position open until filled.

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