Immigration Staff Attorney

Make the Road•New York, NY

1d•$82,500 - $92,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Make the Road New York (MRNY) is hiring an attorney for its immigration team. The attorney will work with the raid response team, which represents and supports community members with final orders of removal in close collaboration with immigration organizers, and will also participate in MRNY’s broader immigration practice. This is a bargaining unit position based at a community center in Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island, with the specific location determined when the position is filled. MRNY currently uses a hybrid model requiring staff to work in the office at least three days per week; the policy may change. The attorney will sometimes travel among offices for trainings, meetings, client meetings, and other work-related matters. The role provides individualized legal assistance and representation to people detained by ICE or at imminent risk of detention who have orders of removal. Work includes advising clients about legal options and representing or assisting them in a range of proceedings and applications, while managing urgent referrals and a caseload of detained and nondetained cases. The attorney also contributes to MRNY’s general immigration practice, community education, member support, organizing campaigns, and team and department work. The position involves ongoing learning about movement lawyering and other concepts central to MRNY’s approach to building community power. Applicants need at least two years of immigration legal practice experience, eligibility to practice law in New York State (or the ability to waive in), and Spanish proficiency sufficient to work with clients without translation assistance. Applicants with at least five years of post-Juris Doctor practice in the field will be considered for the Senior Staff Attorney role. Salary is $82,500–$92,000. MRNY offers health insurance, a 401(k), and generous paid vacation, sick, and personal days.

Requirements

Eligible to work in the United States.
At least two years of immigration legal practice experience.
Admission or eligibility for admission to practice law in New York State, or the possibility of waiving into the state.
Spanish proficiency sufficient to work with clients in Spanish without translation assistance.
Experience with populations that make up major portions of MRNY’s membership, such as documented and undocumented immigrants, people facing domestic violence, members of TGNCIQ communities, people who have experienced the criminal legal system, and youth.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ethical, professional, team-oriented approach and commitment to excellence.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and complete assignments under strict deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work under pressure.
Strong legal writing and research skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
High accountability and initiative, with the ability to work independently and support the organization as a whole.
Flexible work schedule; some evenings or weekends are required.

Nice To Haves

Applicants with at least five years of post-Juris Doctor practice in the field will be considered for the Senior Staff Attorney role.
Relevant lived experience, including experience as a member of a low-income immigrant community.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized assistance and representation to clients detained by ICE or at imminent risk of ICE detention who have orders of removal, including advice and counsel based on interviews, document review, research, and legal analysis.
Provide full representation or pro se assistance for matters including Credible or Reasonable Fear Interviews, motions to reopen before Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, motions to vacate prior ICE or CBP orders, collateral or affirmative applications such as I-130, I-212, and I-601A applications, bond hearings, custody advocacy with ICE, Petitions for Review, and federal habeas litigation.
Respond to referrals as necessary and manage detained and nondetained cases, attending to urgent deadlines and client needs.
Contribute knowledge and collaborate with the broader immigration practice.
Support community education through written materials, Know Your Rights presentations, and popular education workshops.
Support MRNY members and organizing campaigns through strategic litigation, legislative advocacy, research, media work, and action support.
Participate in team and department meetings and meetings with external partners.
Track and highlight cases as needed for development and grant reporting.
Continue learning about movement lawyering and other concepts relevant to MRNY’s approach to building power.
Travel among offices from time to time for trainings, meetings, client meetings, and other work-related matters.