What are the responsibilities and job description for the Immigration Clinic Attorney position at Sisters of St. Joseph?
MISSION STATEMENT: Empowered by God's love, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, faithful to the vision of one sacred Earth community, we live and work to bring all into union with God and one another.
Position Summary:
The Long Island Immigration Clinic is certified as a DOJ recognized and accredited program. The
Immigration Clinic Attorney, under the supervision of the Managing Immigration Attorney, will oversee the
current legal services provided at this volunteer driven pro se asylum clinic which serves individuals in Nassau
and Suffolk counties. The Immigration Attorney will provide legal guidance to volunteers and staff,
supervise law students and liaise with volunteer immigration attorneys who support the weekly clinic
sessions. In addition, the Immigration Attorney will work with the Managing Immigration Attorney and the
Clinic Director to identify, develop, and expand LIIC's immigration services to meet local community
needs.
Responsibilities:
Participates in Immigration Clinic sessions and gives legal guidance to volunteer teams.
Provides confidential legal consultations and conducts initial assessments of immigration cases to
determine eligibility for immigration benefits.
Counsels and assists clients and their families with various applications for immigration benefits.
Completes case-related applications and petitions, supporting paperwork, and professional
documentation of services.
Supervises law students.
Acts as liaison to volunteer immigration attorneys and oversees attorney schedule.
Stays abreast of changes in immigration policy and laws and provides regular updates to staff.
Develops legal policies and procedures for the operation of the clinic.
Provides community education through emails, social media, and/or webinars and Facebook live.
Monitors immigrant friends' court hearings and deadlines.
Attends immigration law webinars and stays current in credentials - i.e. NYS Bar
requirements for continuing education etc.
Networks with other immigration attorneys and legal services organizations to broaden the reach of
the clinic.
Core Competencies
Detailed oriented, with a high degree of initiative and self-direction.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Capacity to foster collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, and immigrant friends.
Effective at time management, with an ability to adapt, be flexible and patient.
Highly motivated, with good problem resolution skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Be admitted to practice law in New York State
Minimum of 2-4 years' experience in immigration law and in representing clients before the
Department of Homeland Security and/or the Executive Office of Immigration Review, or
comparable experience under the supervision of a senior attorney.
Bi-lingual in Spanish; Haitian Creole a plus.
Familiarity and ease with computer technology and navigating online databases.
Ability to interact well with diverse individuals and groups and work with vulnerable and
traumatized populations.
Knowledgeable of the field of immigration and current U.S. immigration policy.
Compensation for this position is based according to market rate and experience level.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal state or local laws.