Policy and Practice Associate/Counsel

We Are

Headquartered in downtown, Washington, DC, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an organization comprised of nearly 17,000 individual attorney members who practice and teach immigration law. For our members, we provide continuing legal education, information, advocacy, professional services, and expertise. Founded in 1946, AILA's mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Department Summary

The Government Relations (GR) team advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the executive branch, consistent with AILA’s principles and priorities. The GR team tracks the development of law, policy, and practice and prepares resources and information for nearly 17,000 AILA members.    

Position Summary

The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel (reserved for candidates with a J.D.) will advance AILA’s administrative, congressional, and overall advocacy goals. The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel tracks trends and developments in substantive immigration law and policy. The Policy and Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel contributes significantly to AILA’s written work product by drafting and editing policy documents, practice pointers, bill text, legislative analysis, analysis of regulations, blogs, web updates, and communications to AILA members and target audiences. The position represents AILA before Congress and with the Administration and will focus on removal, enforcement, and humanitarian issues. The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel manages AILA’s national committees comprised of AILA member subject matter experts and monitors issues and trends that impact practitioners.  

Due to the nature of the role, candidates may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends. 

Essential Job Functions

Policy and Legal Analysis - 30% 

• Monitor, evaluate, draft, and develop written analysis and advocacy materials on proposed legislation, regulations, and policies on selected issues with a focus on removal, enforcement and humanitarian issues
• Work with staff and AILA committees and membership to identify emerging issues and trends in policy and practices
• Shape AILA's policy positions and makes recommendations on priorities

Information Sharing and Education - 20% 

• Draft and design products to maximize AILA's impact on target audiences, including legislative and policy analysis, practice materials, and other products
• Work with relevant AILA teams to produce materials
• Educate through various mediums including conferences, webinars, public events, media interviews, and social media

Congressional and Administrative Advocacy - 20% 

• Represent AILA in advocacy with Congress and government agencies
• Participate in the development of AILA agendas for agency meetings and manages and participates in those meetings

Staff Resource to AILA Committees and Membership - 20% 

• Support, track, and guide the work of AILA’s subject matter expert committees and national committees that engage in formal liaison with the government
• Serve as a resource on policy and legislative matters for AILA members
• Support the department’s grassroots and membership engagement efforts

Coalition and Partnerships - 10% 

• Represent AILA in national or regional coalitions and campaign efforts
• Cultivate relations and alliances with organizations that share common advocacy and policy aims

Remote – The role is eligible for Remote work

Our Remote Work Strategy is designed to ensure connection while minimizing costs and inconvenience. Talent residing within 50 miles of our National Office located in Washington, D.C., located in the nation’s capital, will be given preference. For roles outside this, we seek candidates within 50 miles of a major airport. This strategy helps us enhance collaboration, optimize travel costs, and strengthen in-person engagement while ensuring we remain cost-effective and mission-driven. Candidates outside these areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on role requirements and organizational needs.

This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a hybrid/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.

• J.D. or master’s in public policy or related field
• Three to five (3 - 5) years of immigration policy and/or general immigration law practice experience, with an emphasis on enforcement, removal and/or humanitarian immigration 
• Experience working with administrative agencies, Congress or state legislatures, and coalition organizations is preferred
• Prior experience in an association, member-service, or customer-service environment is helpful

Other requirements

• J.D. and bar admission preferred 
• Fluency in Spanish is helpful for media/press relations 
• Knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure
• Strong grasp of strategy and of the political process
• Experience in developing and implementing major policy advocacy campaigns
• Superb writing, editing, proofreading and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong research and electronic communications skills
• Strong member-service orientation
• Capacity to handle multiple competing priorities – including ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of public relations and communications, including image and consistency of message
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and/or in writing
• Ability to track data and identify trends
• Ability to work independently and in coordination with teams and volunteer leadership
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to travel, work after-hours and/or weekends, as needed

Occasional travel:  Travel is required occasionally for conferences, attendance at team meetings or for staff retreats as scheduled, or to meet with external partners and clients. 60 days advance notice for travel will be provided when possible.  

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on AILA's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs.

Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant.

Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in AILA's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits.

Application Process: To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.

Eligibility to Work:  In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. AILA participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Salary Description:

Policy & Practice Associate: $60K - $70K 

Policy & Practice Counsel: $70K - $90K