Description:
Job Description:The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a highly motivated Spanish or French-speaking Staff Attorney for a full-time position. The job requires substantive knowledge and experience working with immigrants in removal proceedings, with a variety of defenses from removal including Asylum, Withholding of Removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), 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 clients, and a background in trauma-informed advocacy.
The Staff Attorney will work within the Immigrant Protection Unit at NYLAG under the supervision of an attorney focused on the representation of family units and individuals in removal proceedings seeking protection in the U.S.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney's responsibilities will include:
Qualifications:
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney's responsibilities will include:
- Represent non-detained immigrants, unaccompanied minors, and family units in removal proceedings before EOIR to seek relief from removal, which include asylum, withholding and relief under the Convention Against Torture. Represent individuals in Family Court, as needed, to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for affirmative matters relevant to removal defense.
- Conduct legal screenings and provide advice, consultation, advocacy, and brief services to potential clients in NYLAG's office, at clinical programs in the community, and in detention facilities as necessary.
- Prepare and file forms, affidavits, other supporting documents, motions, and legal memoranda for submission to USCIS, the Immigration Court, and New York Family Court.
- Prepare and file appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, and other appellate bodies as needed.
- Track client cases, progress of applications, and follow up for funding purposes. Assist Supervising Attorney in collaborating with community organizations, partners, and funders.
- Participate in screening clinics, Know Your Rights, and other types of outreach events.
- Perform other various duties, including providing trainings, and mentoring of volunteers and pro bono.
Qualifications:
- Admission to the New York State bar is preferred.
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited school.
- Fluency in Spanish or French required.
- Minimum 1 year of experience working in removal defense required.
- 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 immigrant rights, criminal justice, and/or social justice issues.
- Experience working with survivors of trauma and the intersection of criminal law and immigration law.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure while managing multiple competing deadlines.
- Ability to make creative arguments for complicated cases and cases that do not have a clear path to relief.
- Ability to set expectations for clients who are not eligible for any relief while nonetheless providing competent representation before the Immigration Court.