Description:
Current Opening:We are hiring a Staff Attorney to join our dynamic immigration team. The attorney will work with our raid's response team, which provides representation and support to community members with final orders of removal in close collaboration with our immigration organizers, while also fully integrating into our team's immigration practice. MRNY can train individuals with relevant immigration experience. Please note that Make the Road is currently operating under a hybrid model where staff are required to be in the office a minimum of three days per week. This policy is subject to change and the position will be based primarily in our Queens office in Corona, with possible work from our Bushwick and other offices.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Providing individualized assistance and representation to clients detained by ICE or at imminent risk of ICE detention and who have orders of removal in (1) advice and counsel regarding legal options, based on interviews, document review, research and legal analysis, and (2) full representation in a broad range of applications and requests including preparation for Credible or Reasonable Fear Interviews; motions to reopen before the Immigration Court or Board of Immigration Appeals; motions to vacate prior orders by ICE or CBP; collateral or affirmative applications such as I130, I212, and I601A applications; bond hearings and custody advocacy with ICE; and Petitions for Review and habeas litigation in federal court.
- Contribute to the work of our general immigration practice through sharing knowledge and collaboration.
- Assisting in community education efforts, including through the creation of written materials, KYR presentations, and popular education workshops.
- Supporting MRNY members and organizing campaigns through strategic litigation, legislative advocacy, research, media work, and action support.
- Participating in team and department meetings; meetings with external partners; and assisting with tracking and highlighting cases as necessary for development and grant reporting.
- Continuous learning regarding movement lawyering (theory and application) as well as other critical concepts that underscore our organizational approach to building power, such as racialized capitalism.
Qualifications:
- Eligible to work in the US
- At least 2 years of immigration legal practice experience. Any applicant who has been practicing in the field for at least five years post-Juris Doctor will be considered for the role of “Senior Staff Attorney.”
- Admission (or eligibility for admission) to practice law in New York State or the possibility of waiving into the state.
- Spanish language proficiency.
- Experience with populations that make up major portions of Make the Road's membership – such as documented and undocumented immigrants, individuals facing domestic violence, members of TGNCIQ communities, those who have experienced the criminal legal system, and youth.
Preferences:
- Self-starter with strong organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Be highly ethical, professional, and team oriented with a passion for excellence and eagerness to help the department meet our goals.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and complete assignments under strict deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast paced environment.
- Ability to work under pressure required.
- Strong legal writing and research skills.
- Flexible work schedule, some evenings or weekends required
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- High level of accountability and initiative; needs to be a self-starter and eager to do team work to support the organization as a whole
- Relevant lived experience, including, but not limited to, having been a member of a low-income, immigrant community
