Immigration Attorney

Columbia County Sanctuary•Town of Greenport, NY

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) is a multilingual nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and defending immigrant communities through holistic services, education, and campaigns for systemic change. This position, based in Hudson, New York, offers a hybrid remote/in-office schedule and reports to Co-Executive Directors, Diana Cruz and Bryan MacCormack. The Immigration Staff Attorney will provide legal representation to recent arrivals and long-term residents in both affirmative applications and removal proceedings, appearing before USCIS, ICE, and immigration courts in New York City and Buffalo. The role involves using creative legal remedies and advocacy strategies to challenge the immigration legal system. The position is approximately 40 hours per week.

Requirements

Juris Doctor active NYS bar admission required (recent graduate with upcoming bar exam acceptable)
Ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish-speakers (i.e., advanced Spanish skills)
Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in immigration law or direct legal services (can include law school immigration clinic programs) and experience with both affirmative applications and removal defense
Knowledge and adherence to community and movement lawyering principles
Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation
Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel
Relationships with immigrant communities

Nice To Haves

Directly impacted by or experience with the immigration system preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct intakes with potential clients, conflict checks, and screenings for various forms of immigration relief.
Facilitate legal consultations and provide case-specific advice to clients.
Represent members and identify forms of relief in removal cases (such as defensive Asylum claim or prosecutorial discretion).
Prepare affirmative cases (such as U-Visas/T-Visas, TPS, SIJS, Asylum, Naturalization, and family petitions) before USCIS.
Supervise and provide technical support to DOJ-accredited representatives providing legal services to clients applying for affirmative immigration benefits before USCIS.
Travel to attend master, individual hearings, and ICE check-ins when necessary.
Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files.
Mentor, support, and train CCSM staff on complex immigration matters and the provision of trauma-informed services.
Work closely with Co-Executive Director and Community Navigator to provide holistic services and referrals to clients.
Strengthen CCSM’s existing Rapid Response work and hotline by providing legal expertise and, at times, legal representation to detained members.
Provide the support and program development needed to host a Justice Corps Fellowship in the near future.
Administer legal service systems and track program metrics.
Work with grant manager on accurate legal service grant applications.
Contribute to managing legal service program budget.
Supervise DOJ accredited representatives and/or paralegals.
Support strengthening and administering legal service policies.
Inform and provide orientation about defenses against removal proceedings and the court process to community members.
Facilitate remote court appearances from CCSM’s office rather than traveling to NYC or Buffalo.
Identify and collaborate with local or state partner organizations on appellate and impact-oriented litigation efforts related to detention conditions, labor rights, and other priorities.
Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, immigration service providers, pro bono attorneys, private attorneys, and our legal service funders.