Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney, Temporary

Human Rights First•New York, NY

8d•$85,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney – Temporary will assist in administering Human Rights First’s pro bono asylum legal representation work, primarily in the New York area. The attorney will mentor law firm attorneys providing representation in affirmative and defensive asylum cases and directly represent asylum seekers when necessary. The position is based in the Refugee and Immigrant Rights Department and reports to the Managing Attorney, NY, with accountability to the Managing Director, Representation. The expected term is November 15, 2026, through April 15, 2027. The role includes screening and intake, identifying cases for pro bono placement or direct representation, supporting volunteer attorneys through mentoring and legal guidance, and maintaining relationships with law firms, corporations, clinics, and attorneys. The attorney will monitor legal and procedural developments affecting asylum seekers, collaborate with local service providers, support interns and advocacy initiatives, participate in community and professional events, and assist with funding efforts. Employees are expected to support Human Rights First’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility commitments by advancing inclusive practices, considering whose perspectives may be missing from their work, supporting the organization’s mission, and fostering a culture of respect and teamwork.

Requirements

U.S. law degree (J.D.) and admission to a bar; New York or New Jersey admission preferred, with other state bar admissions acceptable.
At least five years of direct representation of asylum seekers at all levels of the administrative process; immigration court experience preferred.
Commitment to working with volunteer lawyers and experience mentoring other attorneys, especially on immigration law matters.
Ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and identify and analyze legal issues.
Knowledge of U.S. immigration law and policy.
Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with people from diverse backgrounds, including survivors of trauma or torture.
Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment.
Adaptability to new and dynamic projects and ability to recognize and maximize opportunities for the organization.
Ability to work across organizational lines and comfortably in legal, academic, and advocacy settings, and to work confidently with government officials and the media.
Ability to travel regionally by car or public transportation when possible and to other office areas or locations where Human Rights First serves clients, when necessary.
Good judgment and proven ability to provide leadership and support to fellow team members.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish, especially reading and writing, is highly preferred.
Fluency in additional languages is a plus.
Immigration court experience is preferred.
Admission to the New York or New Jersey bar is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal screenings and intake interviews with asylum seekers.
Assist in identifying cases for pro bono placement and direct representation.
Ensure high-quality representation for refugees by mentoring volunteer attorneys and directly representing clients when necessary.
Provide volunteer attorneys with legal and procedural support, including trainings, case strategy, draft-submission review, and updates on significant asylum-law developments.
Build and maintain relationships with local law firms, corporations, law school clinics, and volunteer attorneys.
Assist with placing cases with volunteer attorneys and promoting pro bono asylum representation.
Collaborate with local service providers to meet immigrant-community needs and improve access to legal representation.
Identify, analyze, and respond to legal or procedural changes affecting asylum seekers, including statutory changes, proposed regulations, and decisions from the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts.
Provide legal advice and guidance to in-house legal services coordinators and interns.
Assist with managing law school and undergraduate internship programs, including recruiting and supervising interns.
Support advocacy initiatives, including meetings with local officials at government agencies and detention facilities, in collaboration with the Refugee Protection team as needed.
Promote Human Rights First’s mission at community, promotional, and professional networking events.
Assist in securing and maintaining funding for the organization and Refugee Representation team.
Perform other duties requested based on team or organizational needs.
Support best practices that foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace for colleagues and external partners.
Consider people, places, and cultures that may be missing from work and seek opportunities to increase inclusivity.
Support Human Rights First’s mission in interactions with colleagues and stakeholders and promote DEIA awareness.
Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in accordance with the Culture of Respect and Teamwork statement in the Employee Handbook.