Staff Attorney - Immigration Unit
About The Position
The Attorney will provide direct legal representation to low- and middle-income immigrants on all immigration issues including citizenship applications, waivers of the oath of citizenship for immigrants with a disability, applications for green cards, Asylum applications, DACA applications, adjustment of status applications, VAWA applications, relative petitions, consular processing in a case-by-case basis, work permits. The Attorney will also provide legal representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court in Buffalo and Batavia, NY. They will also appear at interviews before UCIS in Buffalo; prepare other immigration applications as required. They will travel within New York State and the Finger Lakes Region. This position is based in the Legal Aid office in Rochester, NY. Representation includes, but not limited to: Draft and review all pleadings, motions, and papers; Conduct disclosure and investigation; file motions; Consult and negotiate with other counsel and, as appropriate, other parties; Represent clients at all appearances, hearings, and proceedings; and File notices of appeal, settle orders and records and represent clients in other post-dispositional proceedings before the court. Provide community outreach, education, and training to community partners. Consult with and review the work of assigned support staff. Transcribe complete, accurate, and detailed case notes in all case files through our case management system, LegalServer. Conduct legal research in each case as required. Maintain knowledge of legislative changes and current case law; attend Continuing Legal Education training. Attend and participate in LASROC’s Immigration Law staff meetings and general LASROC meetings/gatherings. Provides legal support to other programs from time to time as may be necessary. Additional duties at the discretion of the Director, Immigration Law.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (Candidates who are admitted to any state bar; and Candidates who have received their JD, passed a state bar exam and are awaiting admission are also invited to apply)
- High level of initiative, self-motivation, and organization
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Strong negotiating ability
- Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively and accurately
- Respectful and empathetic consideration for clients
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners
- Access to reliable transportation
- Consistently operate office equipment such as a computer, photocopier, and fax machine
- While performing these job responsibilities, the employee must maintain consistent communication with staff and clients and must be able to exchange clear and accurate information about the results and outcomes of their work
- Able to step into a current caseload of 20-30 pending cases
Nice To Haves
- Prior Immigration or NYS Criminal or Federal/Administrative law experience preferred
- Ability to communicate in a language other than English preferred
Responsibilities
- Draft and review all pleadings, motions, and papers
- Conduct disclosure and investigation; file motions
- Consult and negotiate with other counsel and, as appropriate, other parties
- Represent clients at all appearances, hearings, and proceedings
- File notices of appeal, settle orders and records and represent clients in other post-dispositional proceedings before the court
- Provide community outreach, education, and training to community partners
- Consult with and review the work of assigned support staff
- Transcribe complete, accurate, and detailed case notes in all case files through our case management system, LegalServer
- Conduct legal research in each case as required
- Maintain knowledge of legislative changes and current case law; attend Continuing Legal Education training
- Attend and participate in LASROC’s Immigration Law staff meetings and general LASROC meetings/gatherings
- Provides legal support to other programs from time to time as may be necessary
- Additional duties at the discretion of the Director, Immigration Law
Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
- Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
- 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
- 96 hours of sick leave
- 48 hours of personal time
- 14 paid holidays a year
- $600 per year internet stipend
- 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
- $3,000 salary differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
- Paid lunch hour
- Professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employer contribution toward parking fees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
