Immigration Attorney

Staff Attorney, Immigration Focus

The Staff Attorney will focus primarily on the Center’s Immigration Practice, specifically supporting the expanded services dedicated to serving detained immigrant youth.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Legal Services & Case Management

• Provide full representation to children in complex immigration matters, including applications for Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U Visas, and T Visas.
• Appear as counsel and Friend of Court before the detained juvenile docket at immigration court.
• Conduct legal screenings and follow-up to determine eligibility for various forms of immigration relief.
• Oversee a team of paralegals in conducting legal orientations (e.g., Know Your Rights trainings) and completing intakes for unaccompanied children (UCs) in Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody, and provide these orientations as needed.

Program Coordination & Leadership

• Liaise with the Office of Refugee Resettlement and local shelters to ensure optimal service delivery for UCs in their immigration proceedings.
• Facilitate internal and external referrals to educational, health care, and other vital support services available to clients.
• Lead initiatives focused on advancing the legal rights of youth and create opportunities for youth engagement.
• Contribute to legal education efforts, including planning and conducting workshops, developing legal education materials, and performing outreach.
• Document and report on service delivery to ensure compliance with all funding requirements.
• Supervise paralegals, legal interns, and volunteers.

Administration

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Attorney and/or Director.
• Required travel within the greater New York area to meet client and program needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• J.D. degree and current admission to the New York State Bar (or able to waive in or willing to sit for the Feb 2026 NY Bar) is mandatory.
• Not required, but nice to have: At least 1 year of experience in immigration law, specifically including removal defense, SIJS, asylum, U, and T visas.
• Demonstrated interest in a comprehensive, holistic approach to meeting the needs of young people.
• A creative thinker with superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, including the capacity to work independently, manage multiple assignments, and meet strict deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and interact effectively with young people, management, and program staff.
• Professional proficiency in Spanish is a plus
• Experience working in a detained setting is preferred.