Description:
Job Description:NYLAG's Immigrant Protection Unit (IPU) seeks a highly motivated Spanish-speaking Staff Attorney for a permanent, full-time position. The job requires substantive knowledge and experience defending immigrants in removal proceedings including claims based on Asylum, Withholding of Removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), relief under VAWA, and Adjustment of Status. Admission to the New York Bar and experience representing asylum seekers is preferred. Candidates will have a proactive ability to solve problems under time pressure, a strong commitment to client-centered services, and a background in trauma-informed advocacy.
The Staff Attorney will report to a Supervising Attorney in IPU.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney's responsibilities will include:
- Conduct legal screenings and represent non-detained and detained immigrants, unaccompanied minors, and families in removal proceedings before NYC Immigration Court, USCIS (inc. the asylum office), New York Family Courts, and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
- Attend court hearings, USCIS interviews, and ICE check-ins with clients as needed.
- Prepare and file forms, affidavits, other supporting documents, motions, and legal memoranda.
- Track client cases, progress of applications, and follow up for funding purposes.
- Assist Supervising Attorney in collaborating with community organizations, partners, and other stakeholders.
- Act as a liaison to partner organizations and other external stakeholders
- Participate in screening clinics, Know Your Rights, and other types of outreach events.
- Mentor interns, volunteers, and pro bonos.
- Maintain up-to-date case notes, data tracking, and files.
- Perform other various duties as needed.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited school.
- Admission to the New York State bar is preferred.
- Fluency in Spanish required.
- Litigation experience required.
- Minimum 2 years of experience appearing on behalf of immigrants before the immigration court required.
- Experience in New York Family Court preferred.
- Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, judiciary and the public.
- Ability to work in a collaborative setting with other professionals.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing immigrant rights and social justice.
- Experience working with immigrant survivors of trauma.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure while managing multiple competing deadlines.
- Ability to make creative arguments for complicated cases amidst a changing legal environment.
NYLAG's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
NYLAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employment type:
☒ Full-time
Professional Level:
☒ Professional
Salary Range: NYLAG is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. The current salary range for this position is between $87,994-$104,544.
