[Hiring] Director of Policy @Ellis Porter

Role Description

The Director of Policy leads Ellis Porter’s firmwide response to developments in immigration law, regulation, agency policy, and litigation. The Director identifies which changes matter, analyzes their impact with practice leaders, publishes coordinated guidance, and makes sure the resulting actions are completed. The Director also represents the firm externally.

• Build relationships with AILA, federal agencies, the federal bar, and peer firms.
• Brief employer (B2B) clients on the policy changes that affect them.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active bar admission in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

Requirements

• 10+ years of immigration law practice, with broad knowledge across the areas the firm practices.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and communicating complex legal, regulatory, and litigation developments.
• Experience working across teams and moving decisions through to implementation.
• Leadership in AILA, such as committee, liaison, or chapter roles.

Preferred Experience

• Established relationships with the federal bar, federal litigators, or immigration advocacy organizations.
• Experience engaging with DHS, USCIS, the Department of State, or other agencies through stakeholder, liaison, or comment processes.
• Experience presenting to employer or corporate audiences on immigration policy.
• Experience with regulatory comment drafting, amicus briefs, or coordinated bar advocacy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Sound legal judgment and the ability to synthesize fast-moving developments into clear, practical guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for attorney, leadership, client, and external audiences.
• Ability to influence and build trust without direct authority.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• High standards of discretion, confidentiality, and professional ethics.