Community Justice Attorney, Immigrant Rights Program

American Friends Service Committee•Newark, NJ

2d•$70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Justice Attorney provides legal representation to low-income immigrants in proceedings before the Newark and Elizabeth Immigration Courts. The attorney meets with clients, advises them on eligibility for immigration-law relief, prepares applications for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration Courts, and represents clients before those agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The role also involves providing consultations and direct representation to immigrant youth, asylum seekers, families, and others; supporting clients’ social-service needs and participation in organizing, advocacy, and leadership development; delivering community education and training; mentoring legal interns, fellows, and volunteers; and contributing to program initiatives, documentation, and funding reports. The position is based in Newark, New Jersey, with at least one day per week in the office and a hybrid arrangement. The attorney reports to the Managing Attorney and has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Admission to a state bar.
At least one year of experience in immigration law and procedures.
Understanding of and willingness to apply movement principles.
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Experience and comfort with public speaking.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, and the community.
Familiarity with Windows and cloud-based software, including Microsoft Office and Docketwise.
Understanding of and commitment to AFSC principles and concerns regarding race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, and sexual orientation, and demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel as required.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Experience with Microsoft Office and related technology.
Ability to work under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Respect for Quaker values and knowledge of and support for AFSC’s principles and philosophy, including nonviolence and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, and religious diversity, and familiarity with nonviolent approaches to problem solving.
Ability to organize, plan ahead, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated dedication to fairness, equity, and inclusion regarding race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in New Jersey is preferred.
Removal defense experience is preferred.
Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide consultations to immigrant community members to determine eligibility for immigration status.
Represent immigrant youth, asylum seekers, families, and others before USCIS, local Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and, where appropriate, federal courts.
Maintain up-to-date electronic and paper case files.
Work with AFSC social workers, where possible, to address clients’ social-service needs.
Mentor legal interns, fellows, and volunteers on individual cases, legal screenings, and related work.
Participate in in-person and virtual training and information sessions for community members about immigration laws and policies.
Support program clients’ participation in organizing, advocacy, and leadership development.
Provide immigration-law and policy training to service organizations, government agencies, schools, and other groups.
Support program efforts to engage in narrative change through media.
Assist with occasional screenings, pro se clinics, and other initiatives supporting immigrant community members.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case-related activities.
Help document project experiences and prepare quarterly funding reports.
Attend immigration-law training sessions.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.