Immigration Attorney, Detained Removal Def.

Brooklyn Defender Services•Brooklyn, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services seeks law graduates and experienced attorneys for its Fall 2027 detained removal defense team in the Immigration Practice. Experienced lateral attorneys who can start earlier may be considered for an earlier start date. The Immigration Practice is a collaborative team of more than 80 staff members. Attorneys on the detained removal defense team represent low-income noncitizens held in immigration jails before immigration courts in New York City and elsewhere through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project. The team also handles non-detained removal proceedings, complex applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal circuit courts, and habeas corpus and mandamus actions before federal district courts. This exempt, salaried position is in the Collective Bargaining Unit and is based at BDS’s Downtown Brooklyn offices. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; attorneys may occasionally need to work outside those hours to accommodate court and jail visitation schedules. Salary is determined on a scale based on education and experience, with a range of $97,000 to $109,000. BDS offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, and vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027.
Admission to a state bar or having taken the first available state bar exam after graduation.
Strong desire to advocate for noncitizens facing detention and deportation.
Ability to communicate and connect effectively and respectfully with people of varied backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Effective research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and awareness of deadlines.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to urgent situations.

Nice To Haves

Spoken and written fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Attend the Fall 2027 training program, unless hired as an experienced lateral attorney.
Provide comprehensive representation to clients in detained and non-detained removal proceedings and immigration appeals.
Litigate issues including detention, removability, and eligibility for immigration relief.
Make regular appearances in immigration court and appear in person when required.
Meet detained clients in person at immigration jails.
Manage a demanding caseload with short court-imposed deadlines that may change with little notice.
Conduct complex legal research and writing on removability, relief, and appellate issues.
File applications for immigration benefits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, respond to Requests for Evidence, attend USCIS interviews, and file administrative appeals.
Collaborate with supervisors, attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff to develop cases and build trusting client relationships.
Coordinate with staff in other departments on overall legal strategy and client needs.
Maintain case files, notes, and court appearance data in case and document management systems in accordance with professional responsibility rules and BDS policies.
Perform additional duties as assigned.