Pro Bono Counsel (Immigration) (Multiple Offices)

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 100 firm, has an opening for Pro Bono Counsel (Immigration) to join our Talent Management Team. We prefer candidates in the New York or California offices but will consider candidates in our other U.S. offices including Century City, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego (Del Mar), San Diego (Downtown), San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington DC. Job Summary The Pro Bono Counsel (Immigration) will serve as the Firm’s primary subject‑matter authority on immigration law within the pro bono program in addition to supporting the Firm’s overall pro bono efforts. The role combines substantive legal practice, supervision, and strategic guidance, supporting attorneys across offices in complex humanitarian and removal defense matters. This position will oversee the quality, legal strategy, and compliance of the Firm’s immigration pro bono portfolio while enabling attorneys to take active litigation roles under appropriate supervision. The position is designed for an experienced immigration attorney who wants to remain substantively engaged in legal work while mentoring and supervising other attorneys, without the pressures of billable‑hour practice. While this position has a primary focus on immigration matters, the Pro Bono Counsel will also support other pro bono practice areas as needed and collaborate across the Pro Bono Team to ensure consistent supervision, staffing, and quality control of all pro bono matters. Responsibilities Assist in the strategic development and implementation of the Firm’s pro bono program and initiatives across all offices, with a particular focus on immigration‑related matters. Serve as a substantive expert in immigration law, including asylum, removal defense, SIJS, humanitarian relief, post‑conviction issues, habeas, bond, and related emerging areas. Provide direct legal supervision and, where appropriate, limited appearances, consultations, or second‑chair support in hearings or proceedings to support Firm attorneys handling immigration matters. Identify immigration pro bono opportunities that align with Firm priorities and attorney interests, including both short‑ and long‑term matters. Develop litigation strategy resources, case guidance, and practice advisories that enable Firm attorneys to effectively handle immigration matters under supervision. Provide substantive mentoring, training, and ongoing support to attorneys handling immigration pro bono matters. Supervise and advise Firm attorneys on immigration cases, including case theory, evidentiary development, filings, hearings preparation, and procedural compliance. Assist in evaluating and managing matters that evolve beyond their originally anticipated scope. Support risk management efforts by monitoring immigration developments that may affect active or previously closed pro bono matters. Collaborate with leading legal service and advocacy organizations on complex or impact‑oriented immigration matters and facilitate appropriate supervision structures. Manage the transition of immigration pro bono matters when attorneys depart the Firm. Track case outcomes and emerging legal developments to inform training, risk management, and future case selection. Coordinate pro bono practice involvement with DEI, Talent Management, Professional Development, Library, and Marketing initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting with non‑immigration pro bono matters and supporting Firm’s overall pro bono efforts. Required Qualifications Approximately 5‑7 years of legal experience preferred; candidates with fewer years but substantial immigration expertise will be considered. Demonstrated expertise in immigration law and familiarity with complex and evolving immigration issues. Experience supervising or mentoring junior attorneys strongly preferred. Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice preferred. Familiarity with and relationships within the immigration legal services community strongly preferred. Strong organizational, project‑management, and risk‑assessment skills. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to balance competing demands and manage a high‑volume docket. Strong desire to work collaboratively as part of a team. Fluency in a second language strongly preferred, particularly Spanish, French, Dari, Farsi, or Pashto. Salary commensurate with experience—candidates with fewer years of experience will be considered with compensation adjusted accordingly. Education JD required; active bar membership required; must be licensed and physically located in a state where the Firm has an office. Work Environment Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up in working in a high‑rise). Indoor office work environment in a workstation. Current Firm policy is hybrid – working in the office at least three days per week, and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change). California: The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $175,000 per year. Illinois: The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $175,000 per year. This position is eligible for bonuses. This position is also eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good‑faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to Illinois Equal Pay Act. New York: The pay range for this position is $155,000 - $175,000 per year. Please note that the foregoing compensation information is a good‑faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the New York City Salary Transparency Law. Washington DC: The pay range for this position is $155,000 - $175,000 per year. Medical, vision, and dental coverage is available, including coverage for dependents and domestic partners. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good‑faith assessment associated with this position as of the time of this posting and is provided pursuant to the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr