SIJS Habeas Project Attorney

Description:

Position Overview:
The National Immigration Project has an immediate opening for an attorney experienced in detention and habeas litigation to join our team to develop and lead a new SIJS Habeas Project. The attorney will litigate SIJS habeas petitions, provide mentorship and training to other attorneys, coordinate the development of pipelines for SIJS habeas referrals, and develop litigation and legal advocacy to challenge unlawful detention of SIJS approved youth. The attorney will focus primarily on building and supporting the SIJS Habeas Project in close collaboration with other habeas projects the National Immigration Project is coordinating. The SIJS Habeas Project Attorney will be a member of the National Immigration Project legal team and a core participant and leader in the End SIJS Backlog Coalition's broader strategic work.

The attorney will be a key part of our programs team and will work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that organizational and movement goals are advanced. Expertise in immigration detention and habeas litigation are required for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Litigate habeas petitions on behalf of detained SIJS youth, particularly ones that raise complex or novel legal theories;
• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with key partners including Coalition members and law firms;
• Train, mentor, and develop networks of attorneys who are equipped to provide habeas representation to detained SIJS youth and/or who can serve as local counsel;
• Develop and maintain written resources and materials to assist attorneys representing detained SIJS youth in federal court;
• Serve on the End SIJS Backlog Coalition's leadership team as a member of the Steering Committee and by co-leading relevant working groups. Partner with impacted SIJS youth leaders in visioning and building out this project;
• Represent the National Immigration Project and End SIJS Backlog Coalition in collaborations with partner organizations;
• Other similar duties.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 4-8 years of experience in federal litigation, legal advocacy, and movement lawyering. Significant experience representing detained immigrants, particularly in habeas litigation, is a must. Experience working with immigrant youth, particularly SIJS youth, is preferred.
• Skills: Excellent federal litigation, research, writing, and communication skills.
• Trauma-informed lawyering.
• Knowledge: Strong familiarity with the immigration detention system.
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish or other widely spoken languages in immigrant communities is highly desirable.
• Education: J.D. or equivalent and admission to at least one state bar and one federal court.
• Attributes: Community-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Highly organized and self-driven. Committed to an advocacy model that centers SIJS youth voices and leadership.

Compensation & Location: Salary in the $90,473 - $103,646 range, commensurate with relevant years of experience which determines placement on the organization's salary scale. Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, and generous vacation and leave time. 1763 Columbia Rd NW, Suite 175 # 896645, Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (617) 227-9727 | Fax: (617) 227-5495 | Web: www.nipnlg.org | Social: @nipnlg

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