Description:

Prisoners' Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a federal litigation and appellate attorney position in its Immigration Unit. This position involves a split workload that will include litigating federal habeas claims a s well as other immigration related matters in administrative and federal courts. The position may be located in either the Albany or Buffalo PLS offices.

Job Description:
PLS immigration unit attorneys provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons or federal detention centers who are facing deportation. In general, we seek to minimize the harsh and disproportionate immigration consequences of contact with the criminal justice system by providing highly qualified and competent representation to immigrants facing deportation. For the present position, PLS is seeking a Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney who, in addition to the immigration related matters listed above, will also litigate immigration related habeas claims which challenge the lawfulness of a noncitizen’s detention. Such petitions may include, but are not limited to, contesting the legal basis for an immigrant’s detention , opposing an immigrant client’s prolonged and indefinite imprisonment, as well as their exposure to impermissible detention conditions. This position will report to the PLS Immigration Unit Litigation Coordinator.

The ideal candidate should have administrative and /or federal district court experience, substantively focused on ‘crimimmigration' law. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration law and dedicated to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.

Qualifications:
JD Degree and bar admission in good standing with New York State or another state is

Required:

Three years of experience in immigration removal defense and /or federal district court
litigation preferred, federaldistrict court work in immigration specific matters preferred
Experience arguing before federal judicial benches or similar high -pressure interrogation settings required
Strong research and legal writing skills required
Experience working with indigent communities and detained individuals strongly preferred
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues
Ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental manner
Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills; ability to timely respond to and balance numerous requests for assistance
Ability and willingness to travel as needed to fulfill job functions
Fluency in Spanish and other languages strongly preferred

Salary and benefits:

PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Transparency: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $82,136- $88,913. The specific salary offer will be dependent on the candidate's qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

PLS's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.