Employment
ILAP is committed to having a respectful, collaborative, and equitable work environment, with equal opportunity for all employees. We hire candidates based on qualifications and comply with all federal and state equal employment laws.
We encourage applications from individuals with lived immigrant experience, as well as those from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We believe in building an organization that is reflective of the communities that we serve and is diverse in work background, experience, education, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental, and physical abilities.
Our Interview & hiring Process
Qualified candidates offered to take part in the hiring process will begin with an initial interview with 3-4 ILAP staff members. Finalists will be invited to a second-round interview with the initial interview team and 2-3 additional staff members.
ILAP will then check references before extending a written offer of employment to the selected candidate, which will detail salary, benefits, and other important information.
We are committed to notifying applicants who are not selected in a timely manner throughout the process.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project
The Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project is responsible for programmatic, strategic, and operational leadership for ILAP’s Detention Project. The role supervises Detention Project staff and fellows and leads a growing area of work focused on expanding access to immigration legal services for Maine residents detained by U.S. immigration officials and residents of other states being detained in Maine.
The role serves as ILAP’s lead attorney for habeas corpus litigation responsible for litigating habeas petitions directly and as co-counsel. The role also manages ILAP’s work with external attorneys handling low bono and pro bono habeas petitions for clients referred by ILAP.
Additionally, the Senior Managing Attorney, Detention Project serves as a key connector across ILAP’s legal work, ensuring that detention-related services are aligned and integrated with the organization’s broader immigration practice. In a project that is still evolving, the Senior Managing Attorney will play a central role in defining priorities, strengthening coordination, and building sustainable systems that support both clients and staff.
ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $78,507 - $89,116. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience. A modest stipend is available to assist candidates relocating to Maine.
TO APPLY: Please send your application (cover letter & resume) to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject "Senior Managing Attorney". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Detention Response Legal Fellow (Two-Year Fellowship)
The Detention Response Legal Fellow supports ILAP’s work to expand access to legal representation for individuals impacted by immigration detention. The fellowship provides an opportunity for an attorney to develop expertise in immigration detention, federal habeas litigation, emergency advocacy, and strategic case assessment while working alongside experienced immigration attorneys.
The Legal Fellow evaluates requests for legal assistance related to individuals detained by U.S. immigration authorities and provides direct representation in federal habeas litigation challenging unlawful detention, as well as in bond and custody proceedings in immigration court. This is a two-year, fixed-term fellowship. Because this work responds to evolving immigration enforcement practices and community needs, responsibilities may shift over time.
ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $72,141- $80,628. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume by e-mail to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject line “Detention Legal Fellow.” Review of applications will begin on July 7, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Detention Response Coordinator (Two-Year Fellowship)
The Detention Response Coordinator supports ILAP’s work to expand access to legal services for individuals impacted by immigration detention. The Coordinator’s primary responsibilities involve reviewing and screening requests for legal assistance concerning Maine residents detained by U.S. immigration authorities, as well as individuals from other states detained in Maine.
This position plays a central role in ILAP’s growing detention response work by helping connect detained individuals with legal services, supporting detained clients and legal staff, and helping ILAP monitor and respond to immigration enforcement trends affecting Maine communities.
This position is well-suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment and is able to manage emotionally difficult situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment. The work often involves urgent and time-sensitive matters affecting individuals and families in crisis and requires the ability to remain organized, responsive, and detail-oriented under pressure.
The position is a two-year, fixed-term fellowship. Because the work is responsive to evolving immigration enforcement practices and community needs, responsibilities may change over time.
ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $53,045 - $57,289. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume by e-mail to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject line “Detention Response Coordinator.” Review of applications will begin on Monday, July 13, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Based in ILAP’s Portland office, the Legal Assistant/Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal and administrative support to ILAP’s legal team. Their work promotes the provision of high-quality immigration legal services and includes but is not limited to document preparation, client communication, records requests, and mail processing.
ILAP’s base salary for this position ranges from $53,045 - $61,532. Placement on our salary scale is based on multiple factors including job classification and years of relevant experience.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume by e-mail to hr@ilapmaine.org with the subject line “Legal Assistant/Paralegal.” Review of applications will begin on Tuesday, June 23, and will continue until the position is filled.
employee Benefits
Employees may receive additional compensation based on language proficiency in one or more relevant client languages, supervision responsibilities, and membership on ILAP's Equity Committee.
ILAP offers a generous full-time employee benefits package. Current benefits include:
Fully paid individual health and dental insurance coverage and significant coverage for dependents' health insurance;
Vacation (20 days), holidays (13.5), sick days (12), and personal days (4);
Paid parental leave and a paid family and medical leave policy;
Paid sabbatical after each 5 years of employment;
Employer retirement contributions;
Health savings plan;
Employer paid premium for long term disability and life insurance;
Individual and staff-wide professional development opportunities; and
Alternative Work Arrangement (eligible after 90-day onboarding).