Staff Attorney Immigrant Youth Defense Program

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a staff attorney position in its Immigration Unit. This position is specifically for the Immigrant Youth Defense Program and involves representing minor children who were unaccompanied when entering the country. The position is located in the Albany PLS office.

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 (IU) provides representation to noncitizens who are adults and minors placed in removal proceedings. PLS’ IU engages in representation of clients in immigration court hearings, state court proceedings, appeals and litigation. The IU 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

For the present position, PLS is seeking a staff attorney for the IU’s Immigrant Youth Defense Program. In this capacity, the attorney will represent minors in proceedings to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, T and U visas, as well as other immigration benefits. The attorney may be required to appear in New York State courts and federal court as indicated for individual client needs. Staff attorneys under this program will also provide immigration court representation and general removal defense to detained and non-detained youths and may work closely with non-attorney accredited representatives representing clients in immigration court. This position will report to the Immigration Unit Project Director. Because this position involves working with minors, background checks may be required by the PLS Immigrant Youth Defense Program funder.

The ideal candidate should have three years’ experience as an attorney, including two years of practice in immigration law. Candidates must be detailed oriented, organized, and possess an ability to work in a collaborative team environment. Finally, they should also be passionate about immigration law and dedicated to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.

Qualifications

• JD Degree and New York bar admission in good standing (or admissible in NY within three months of hire date) are required
• Three years’ experience as an attorney, including two years of practice in immigration law is preferred
• Strong research and legal writing skills
• Experience working with indigent communities, adolescents, immigrants, and/or detained individuals preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues
• 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 $71,059 to $85,274 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 “Immigrant Youth Defense Program Staff Attorney position” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Pay: $71,059.00 - $85,274.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you be eligible for admission to the New York State Bar within three months of your anticipated hire date?

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• NYS Bar admission (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $71,059 - $85,274