Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) | Seattle, WA Full-Time | Exempt | Temporary (1 Year, with Possible Extension) Start Date: April 6, 2026 (or as soon as possible)
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Fellowship Staff Attorney to join our Removal Defense Unit in Seattle. Funded by SEIU-Local 6, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to provide critical legal services to union staff and members while making a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants.
About the Role
As a Fellowship Staff Attorney, you will:
- Provide consultations and brief legal services to SEIU-Local 6 staff and members
- Conduct Know Your Rights workshops for union membership
- Make referrals to internal teams and pro bono attorneys
- Handle additional immigration matters, including cases involving individuals in immigration detention
- Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal courts, and the Department of Homeland Security
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking candidates who bring:
- A law degree and admission to the bar of any U.S. state
- Fluency in English and at least one additional language
- A demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights
- Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills
- The ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally inclusive legal representation
- A valid driver's license (some travel required)
Preferred qualifications include prior immigration law and removal defense experience, experience working with survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, and experience managing a high-volume caseload.
About NWIRP
Founded in 1984, NWIRP is a nationally recognized legal services organization on the front lines of defending and advancing the rights of immigrants. With over 180 employees across four Washington State offices (Seattle, Tacoma, Granger, and Wenatchee), NWIRP provides direct legal representation to thousands of low-income individuals from over 150 countries who speak more than 60 languages. We challenge unjust policies through high-impact litigation and advocate for laws that respect immigrant rights.
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting salary: $87,362.92 (increases with experience; up to $155,214.80 with 40 years of experience)
- Fully paid health, vision, and dental coverage (employee-level) with employer-funded HRA and HSA options
- 3% automatic employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan
- 16 days paid vacation in your first year
- 12 days paid health-related leave per year
- 14 paid holidays (5 of which are floatable)
- Employer-paid disability, life, AD&D, and long-term care insurance
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Subsidized transit pass (Seattle office)
- Eligible employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM (hybrid model; at least two in-office days per week). Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
How to Apply
Submit a single-file document on our Careers Page containing:
-
Cover letter addressing:
- How your personal or professional experiences qualify you for this role
- What challenges you recognize as barriers to providing legal advocacy to immigrant community members
- Resume
- List of three (3) references
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
