Supervising Attorney

Summary: The Immigration Legal Services Program (ILSP) Supervising Attorney reports to Managing Attorney. Each Supervising Attorney administers and coordinates various legal program functions, including: participation at community legal clinics; information and pro se services at the immigration courts; intake and assessment of cases for representation; pro bono project services; substantive mentorship and technical assistance for all cases under their supervision; advocacy with state and federal courts; participation in rapid response efforts; and oversight of project-based programming as well as junior legal staff. This is a grant-funded position, and employment will depend on continued availability of funding.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Supervise and oversee internal staff attorneys and paralegals on a variety of legal services and immigration representation matters, including: legal clinical services at schools and in the courts, consultations services, group information sessions and KYRs, family based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, green card renewals, humanitarian representation, including VAWA, U/T, DACA, TPS, affirmative asylum, SIJS, and all forms of removal defense representation, as well as opportunities for appellate work.
• Supervise and conduct initial screenings/intake; evaluate matters to ensure eligibility and to develop appropriate and effective case and legal theories; supervise caseloads of direct reports; provide ongoing supervision to staff; develop and update materials for legal trainings, maintain a template bank, and support cross program best practice sharing.
• Contribute to the Team’s Legal Strategy and Policy Development collaborating with senior management to develop and implement effective legal strategies, policies, and practices. Stay informed on emerging immigration issues and best practices for legal service delivery. Participate in Legal Department meetings.
• Participate in training, presentations, and outreach efforts to strengthen community engagement and increase awareness of available legal services.
• Supervise pro bono volunteer advocates through Division programming, including individual external case placements, fellowships, internships, and clinic programs. Supervision responsibilities include advising and mentoring pro bono volunteer advocates on substantive family and immigration law and procedures, litigation, ensuring quality of their legal work, ensuring case outcomes are met, and assisting with required reports and requests for information about program and funding proposals.
• Maintain a sensible caseload of direct representation matters with a primary focus on more complex removal defense cases. This includes representation before EOIR, USCIS, BIA, and federal courts. Ensure proper record-keeping for all cases and client interactions.
• Participate in HR-related functions for the program, including interviewing candidates, promotions, disciplinary actions, and annual reviews, in coordination with the Managing Attorneys.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including data gathering, reporting, and audits.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment for all team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor.
• At least three (3) years of post-JD experience in immigration law.
• Admission to the New York Bar.
• At least one (1) year of experience supervising and mentoring attorneys and other staff providing immigration legal services.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives with competing priorities and timelines, and ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic and client-responsive practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and community-based legal programming.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others at all levels of leadership.
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills. Strong attention to detail required.
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an aptitude for building relationships across disciplines, job titles, and agencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally and linguistically responsive services and principles.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and sensitively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Bilingual in English and a second language (strongly preferred).
•  Ability and willingness to travel throughout New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley.

Salary : $90,000 - $105,000