Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney in our Immigration Unit. This position involves a split workload that will include litigating federal habeas claims as well as other immigration related matters in administrative and federal courts. The position may be located in either the Albany or Buffalo PLS offices.

About PLS

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization which provides civil legal services to indigent and incarcerated individuals in New York State correctional facilities. Founded in 1976, in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh. The PLS Immigration Unit provides representation to noncitizens who are adults and minors placed in removal proceedings. PLS’ Immigration Unit engages in representation of clients in immigration court hearings, state court proceedings, appeals and litigation. The Immigration Unit also assists clients prepare and present asylum applications, petitions for special immigrant juvenile status and applications with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Job Description

PLS immigration unit attorneys provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons or federal detention centers who are facing deportation. In general, we seek to minimize the harsh and disproportionate immigration consequences of contact with the criminal justice system by providing highly qualified and competent representation to immigrants facing deportation.

For the present position, PLS is seeking a Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney who, in addition to the immigration related matters listed above, will also litigate immigration related habeas claims which challenge the lawfulness of a noncitizen's detention. Such petitions may include, but are not limited to, contesting the legal basis for an immigrant’s detention, opposing an immigrant client’s prolonged and indefinite imprisonment, as well as their exposure to impermissible detention conditions.

The ideal candidate should have administrative and/or federal district court experience, substantively focused on ‘crimimmigration’ law. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration law and dedicated to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.

Qualifications

• JD Degree and bar admission in good standing with New York State or another state is required
• Three years of experience in immigration removal defense and/or federal district court litigation preferred, federal district court work in immigration specific matters preferred
• Experience arguing before federal judicial benches or similar high-pressure interrogation settings required
• Strong research and legal writing skills required
• Experience working with indigent communities and detained individuals strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues
• Ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental manner
• Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills; ability to timely respond to and balance numerous requests for assistance
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to fulfill job functions
• Fluency in Spanish and other languages strongly preferred

Salary and Benefits

PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $82,136 - $88,913. The specific salary offer will be dependent on the candidate's qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles. PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

PLS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to careers@plsny.org. Include “PLS Immigration Unit Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney position” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Pay: $82,136.00 - $88,913.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• immigration defense or litigation: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Bar (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $82,136 - $88,913