Senior Staff Attorney

American Friends Service Committee•Newark, NJ

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Staff Attorney will be part of the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that provides representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and people who are living in their communities. The Senior Staff Attorney is responsible for: direct legal representation; supporting staff attorneys and legal assistants in a specialized area; and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities.

Requirements

Law Degree is required.
Admission to a state bar required.
Minimum three years’ experience with immigration law and procedures required, especially removal defense, with a focus on federal litigation.
Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French preferred.
Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as
Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.
Ability to organize, plan ahead and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to indigent, unrepresented immigrants before the Elizabeth and Newark Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals (where possible).
Provide support and mentorship to AFSC Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues.
Provide expertise in federal litigation and particularly habeas petitions and petitions for review before the Circuit Court of Appeals, and serve as a resource to AFSC staff for this area of law, including providing trainings and case consultations.
Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
Work with AFSC’s Social Workers to meet clients’ social services’ needs.
In collaboration with AFSC staff and other stakeholders, engage in policy and advocacy work concerning issues raised by clients and constituents.
Conduct presentations on immigration issues.
Respond to media inquiries about government practices where appropriate and provide information to the media to publicize the impact of policies on immigrants and their families.
If representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at the detention center and jails and other enforcement trends for use in reports and advocacy activities.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
Other duties and projects as assigned.