Attorney, Federal Immigration Litigation

Brooklyn Defender Services•Brooklyn, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services seeks an experienced Federal Immigration Litigation Attorney to join the detained removal defense team within its Immigration Practice. The attorney will challenge unlawful immigration court decisions in federal courts, fight unlawful detention, address excessive delays and wrongful denials of immigration benefits and Freedom of Information Act requests, and bring affirmative immigration-related civil challenges aimed at strategic reform. The role works closely with the detained removal defense team and other colleagues and partners. The position is based at BDS’s offices in Downtown Brooklyn. It is an exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; attorneys may occasionally work outside these hours to accommodate court and jail-visitation schedules. Salary is based on a pay scale determined by education and experience, with a stated range of $102,000–$123,000.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar, or ability to become admitted in New York.
At least 3 years of experience in immigration law and/or federal litigation, preferably as an admitted attorney.
Experience writing, filing, and arguing federal court litigation in support of immigrant rights, including habeas petitions or petitions for review.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to urgent situations.
Ability to understand and analyze complex legal issues and develop litigation strategies.
Excellent written and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to draft clear and persuasive legal documents.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially as part of a team.
Ability to collaborate and engage with BDS colleagues and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Admission to the New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania Bars is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary counsel on federal district and circuit court litigation related to immigrant rights, including petitions for review, habeas corpus petitions, mandamus petitions, and actions under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Appear in district and circuit courts and conduct oral argument.
Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, and other legal documents.
Research and analyze legal theories to challenge constitutional, statutory, and regulatory violations.
Investigate factual developments and trends regarding immigration enforcement and due process.
Track federal notices of rulemaking and draft public comment responses on relevant issues.
Draft amicus briefs on relevant issues.
Plan and present litigation updates and training for BDS staff.
Collaborate with pro bono attorneys on federal court litigation.
Perform additional duties as assigned.