Careers at Mass Deportation Defense

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

  • Staff Paralegal

  • Staff Attorney

Staff Paralegal

Mass Deportation Defense is a nonprofit providing legal representation for noncitizens facing detention and deportation. Our organization is led by attorneys who combine expertise in immigration law with decades of federal court and constitutional litigation experience, enabling us to provide the skilled representation in both federal court and immigration court needed to defend against attempts to wrongfully detain and deport noncitizens. We provide the full spectrum of services from the emergency response to a call from a family or community member when someone has been detained, through immigration representation in federal court proceedings and immigration court, representation before the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services, and work authorization and naturalization applications.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated paralegal to join our exciting work helping immigrants in these challenging times. The ideal candidate will provide essential paralegal support to our legal team and ensuring its efficient operation and caring attention to our clients. This role requires strong research, writing, legal case support, customer service and communication skills. Ability to communicate with clients in Spanish preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conducting preliminary screenings and assisting with intake of potential clients and conducting appropriate follow-up.

  • Scheduling consultations, intakes, and attorney-client meetings.

  • Assisting with office administration and case management including updating database and calendars with case deadlines, progress and outcomes, and maintaining accurate records of clients as well as pro bono attorneys and support staff; answering and returning calls, emails, and texts to the office main line and referring to appropriate staff or external agencies as needed.

  • Processing mail and opening and closing case files.

  • Translating documents and interpreting for clients, as needed.

  • Assisting with case preparation for direct representation of clients, including drafting of forms, affidavits, and other supporting documentation.

  • Organizing and assisting attorneys on cases to get them ready for trial and other contested hearings, including bond hearings

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for someone who shares our values and our work ethic — someone who brings:

  • Tenacity — We're relentless advocates, unwilling to accept "no" as the final word for a client facing deportation or separation from their family.

  • Skill — Our people are sharp, resourceful problem-solvers who bring the same rigor to a green card application as they do to a federal appeal.

  • Client Dedication — We work hard and show up for our clients, taking on cases that can sometimes take years to win.

  • Collaboration — We value teamwork — pitching in, sharing what we know, and supporting each other through demanding work.

  • Community-Building — You'll join a network of advocates, organizations, and partners we've spent years building — and you'll help grow it, using those relationships to open doors for our clients.

  • Mission-Driven — We believe every family deserves a real fight for their future.

If this sounds like you, we'd love for you to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors Degree

  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrating professionalism in all interactions.

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment

  • Passion for helping noncitizens receive due process and the opportunity to apply for and receive the benefits and status that is available to them under the law.

If you are passionate about the legal field and supporting noncitizens in seeking legal status and possess the necessary skills to thrive as a paralegal, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

HOW TO APPLY

We want to know you! In your cover letter, please let us know what excites you about supporting immigrants and their families through high-stakes moments, and which of the values above resonates with you most, and why? (You can pick more than one.)

Submit your résumé and cover letter to MDD@getmadd.org

Job Type: Full-time, in person (some flexibility may be available)

Staff Attorney

Mass Deportation Defense Inc. (MDD), a nonprofit formed in response to the unlawful detention and deportations of immigrants is hiring a Staff Attorney. We are seeking a candidate to fill a full-time Staff Attorney position dedicated to a grant from the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI). The Staff Attorney will provide representation to income-qualified immigrants and refugees across Massachusetts.  The Staff Attorney will represent MACI-approved detained and non-detained clients in federal court actions, removal and bond proceedings before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, related proceedings before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The Staff Attorney will be supervised by MDD and receive training and some support from MACI. Additional support and mentoring will be provided by Rubin Pomerleau PC, a Supreme Court winning law firm and the Gold Sponsor of MDD.

MDD, a nonprofit located in Boston, was formed in late 2025 in response to the unconstitutional deportations and detentions happening at an alarming rate.  MDD requires a high standard of excellence and dedication to immigrant defense. The Staff Attorney we seek to hire must display the diligence and perseverance necessary to meet the demands that these challenging times place upon our Commonwealth’s vulnerable immigrant neighbors. This position is ideal for a seasoned attorney inspired and looking to learn immigration law or an attorney with 1-3 years experience in litigation and/or immigration law. Salary range $75,000-$95,000.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the position is contingent on grant funding and is only guaranteed for the duration of the grant period through June 30, 2027.  While it is anticipated that additional funding may be awarded, that is not guaranteed.  Should the grant funding end, there is potential to continue with the nonprofit Mass Deportation Defense. Inc.  which will be determined at the end of the grant period.

MINIMUM STAFF ATTORNEY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants Must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be eligible to practice law as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing and be qualified to practice federal immigration law;

  • Access to an automobile to travel to courts, clients, and detention centers that are not easily accessible by public transportation; and,

  • Access to home internet and a printer and a private space to do work

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Commitment to working with a culturally diverse, low-income population;

  • Relevant clinical program, internship, or work experience and participation on law review/law journal strongly preferred;

  • Strong case management, legal research and writing skills; ability to multitask; and to work independently and on teams;

  • Proficiency in language(s) other than English preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of Staff Attorneys include, but are not limited to:

  • Representing detained and non-detained noncitizens in removal and bond proceedings in the immigration courts, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and in Federal Court;

  • Representing non-detained clients released on bond;

  • Working collaboratively with other organizations, pro bono lawyers, and partners;

  • Maintaining, organizing, and updating case files and case management systems;

  • Participating in ongoing training provided through MACI;

  • Participating in regularly scheduled MACI team meetings to discuss individual cases, systemic concerns, and other topics as determined by supervisors;

  • Participating in regular supervision and team meetings.

HOW TO APPLY

We want to know you! In your cover letter, please let us know what excites you about supporting immigrants and their families through high-stakes moments, and which of the values above resonates with you most, and why? (You can pick more than one.)

Submit your résumé, cover letter and a writing sample to MDD@getmadd.org..

Job Type: Full-time, in person (some flexibility may be available)