Immigration Attorney, Detained Removal Def.

Brooklyn Defender Services•New York, NY

19d•$97,000 - $109,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks law graduates and experienced attorneys to join its Immigration Practice detained removal defense team. The team represents low-income noncitizens held in immigration jails before immigration courts in New York City and elsewhere through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project. Attorneys also represent clients in non-detained removal proceedings, applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal circuit courts, and habeas corpus and mandamus actions before federal district courts. This is an exempt, salaried position in the Collective Bargaining Unit, based at BDS’s offices in Downtown Brooklyn. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; attorneys may occasionally work outside those hours to accommodate court and jail visitation schedules. The incoming class is expected to begin in September 2027 and attend training in Fall 2027. Experienced lateral attorneys available earlier may be considered for an earlier start date. BDS determines salary based on education and experience. The salary range is $97,000–$109,000. BDS offers health insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, and generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree anticipated by the incoming class start date 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 from varied backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Effective research, writing, and advocacy skills.
Highly organized, attentive to detail, and cognizant of deadlines.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to urgent situations.

Nice To Haves

Spoken and written fluency in Spanish is preferred.

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 with 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 USCIS, 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 concerning 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.