Staff Attorney

Summary: The Immigration Legal Services Program (ILSP) Staff Attorney works in a large, diverse, and collaborative legal department that provides a range of services to New York residents. The staff attorney’s primary responsibilities will include: (1) direct representation of clients, including adults, unaccompanied children, and families in removal proceedings; (2) individualized pro se services for unrepresented respondents; (3) consultations and in-depth evaluation of cases; (4) and participation in large-scale  legal clinics.

Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 annually.

Location: 80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Conduct initial intakes and perform in-depth evaluation of eligibility for immigration  benefits and/or relief from removal; provide accurate and thorough legal advice and information to potential clients.
• Prepare and submit written case evaluation memos and consult with supervising attorney and managing attorney to determine legal theory and case strategy for all cases accepted for representation.
• Provide direct representation to clients, including representation before USCIS and EOIR in a range of cases that may include and are not limited to asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), cancellation of removal, U and T visas, VAWA, TPS, family-based petitions, and adjustment of status. Also represent clients in New York State courts as required to obtain orders necessary for SIJS. The Staff Attorney must maintain a full caseload in consultation with the Supervising Attorney.
• Represent clients in appeals and federal litigation before the Board of Immigration Appeals, U.S. District Courts, and U.S. Courts of Appeals, as well as related practice before the Immigration Courts. This work may include drafting and filing appellate briefs, motions to reopen, motions to reconsider, petitions for review, habeas corpus petitions, emergency stay requests, and related federal court filings.
• Maintain strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders, including funders; state and local social and legal service  providers; advocacy organizations; and EOIR and the Department of
• Homeland Security (DHS).
• Comply with program and reporting requirements, such as maintaining an updated dashboard of assigned cases, keeping regularly updated case notes, and contributing reports to partners and stakeholders.
• Maintain and update electronic files of the department’s case management and online files systems, as well as physical case files.
• Ensure the highest standard of professional responsibility and conduct in representation and provision of other services.
• Train, mentor and supervise legal interns, legal fellows, and volunteers for work on individual cases, presentations, legal screenings,  and related work.
• Provide in-house and external training, presentations, and workshops, as directed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

The position requires a willingness to travel to all five boroughs. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deadlines or client needs.

Working conditions and physical demands required:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

•   Travel at least 25% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally  ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.

•   Remain stationary at a workstation, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 75% of the time.

•   Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.

•   Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.

Qualifications:

Education, experience, and licenses:

• Juris Doctor required.
• Experience in family and/or immigration law, including clinical or pro bono experience, strongly preferred.
• Admission to NY Bar required.

Skills and/or competencies:

• Spanish Language Proficiency strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing, legal research, and analytical skills.  Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment. Experience working with paralegals or other support staff.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and computer skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally and linguistically responsive services  and principles.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, particularly  to children’s issues and/or
• immigration.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and sensitively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs and the seven counties of the Archdiocese.

Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.