Community Justice Attorney, Immigrant Rights Program

AFSC job board•Newark, NJ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Friends Service Committee seeks a Community Justice Attorney for its Immigrant Rights Program in Newark, New Jersey. The attorney will provide legal representation to low-income immigrants in proceedings before the Newark and Elizabeth Immigration Courts. The role includes meeting with clients, advising them about eligibility for relief under immigration laws, preparing applications for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Immigration Courts, and representing clients before those agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The position is hybrid, with at least one day per week in the office, and reports to the Managing Attorney. The attorney will also provide community education and training, support clients’ participation in organizing and advocacy, and work with AFSC social workers and legal interns, fellows, and volunteers where possible. The role requires managing case files and documentation, contributing to program reporting and narrative-change efforts, and participating in staff meetings, trainings, and special initiatives. Evening or weekend work and travel may be required. This is a full-time, regular, exempt, represented position. The stated minimum starting salary is $70,000.

Requirements

Admission to a state bar is required; admission to practice in New Jersey is preferred.
At least one year of experience in immigration law and procedures is required.
Understanding of and willingness to apply movement principles.
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Experience and comfort with public speaking.
Self-motivation, attention to detail, strong organization, and ability to prioritize assignments effectively.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, and community members.
Familiarity with Windows and cloud-based software, including Microsoft Office and Docketwise.
Commitment to AFSC principles and considerations concerning race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, and sexual orientation.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel as required.
Ability to work independently and within 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 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.
Dedication to fairness, equity, and inclusion concerning race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Removal defense experience.
Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish.

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.
Meet with clients and counsel them on eligibility for relief under immigration laws.
Prepare applications for submission to USCIS and the Immigration Courts, and represent clients before those agencies and ICE.
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 working on individual cases, legal screenings, and related matters.
Participate in in-person and virtual training and information sessions for community members about immigration laws and policies.
Support efforts for program clients to participate 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 special initiatives supporting immigrant community members.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case-related meetings.
Assist with documenting project experiences and preparing quarterly funding reports.
Attend immigration law training sessions and meetings.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.