Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney, Detention Project

Based in Portland, Maine, with a satellite office in Lewiston, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) is Maine’s only statewide immigration legal aid organization.

About the role

The Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney, Detention Project provides direct representation to Maine residents detained by U.S. immigration officials and to residents of other states detained in Maine. The attorney’s primary focus is representing detained clients in custody and bond proceedings before the Immigration Court and, when appropriate, pursuing related litigation in federal court. The role also includes detention‑related intake, case assessment, training, team support, and limited removal‑defense representation.

Responsibilities

• Represent detained clients in custody and bond proceedings.
• When appropriate, represent detained clients on habeas corpus petitions in federal court and on appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Provide backup support and coverage for detention‑related intake and case assessment, including reviewing and evaluating requests for assistance concerning detained individuals.
• Travel to regional detention centers as needed to meet with existing clients and consult with potential clients seeking legal help.
• Collaborate with and mentor other ILAP attorneys and legal staff engaged in detention work.
• In limited circumstances, provide removal‑defense representation in removal proceedings.
• Train and supervise interns and volunteers in collaboration with other ILAP attorneys.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of communications, screenings, and case‑related activity in ILAP’s case management system (LegalServer).
• Help ensure the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of detention‑related data used for internal planning, advocacy, grant reporting, and program evaluation.
• Participate in outreach activities and collaborations as needed.
• Perform other tasks and assume additional responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Co‑Legal Director or Executive Director.

Compensation

For 2026, ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $74,263 – $89,116. Placement on the salary scale is based on job classification and years of relevant experience. Additional compensation may be provided for language proficiency in relevant client languages, supervision responsibilities, and membership on ILAP’s Equity Committee.

Benefits

• Fully paid individual health and dental insurance coverage, with significant coverage for dependents.
• Vacation (20 days), holidays (13.5 days), sick days (12 days), and personal days (4 days).
• Reduced‑hours Fridays.
• Paid parental leave and a paid family and medical leave policy.
• Paid sabbatical after each five years of employment.
• Employer retirement contributions.
• Health Savings Plan.
• Law school repayment assistance.
• Employer‑paid premium for long‑term disability and life insurance.
• Individual and staff‑wide professional development opportunities.
• Alternative work arrangement eligibility after a 90‑day onboarding period.
• A modest relocation stipend is available to assist candidates moving to Maine.