Staff Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

American Friends Service Committee•Newark, NJ

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Attorney is part of the American Friends Service Committee’s Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that represents immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and people living in their communities. The attorney provides direct legal representation to immigrants in removal proceedings or otherwise facing removal, including representation before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal courts. The position is based in Newark, New Jersey, with a hybrid arrangement requiring at least one day per week in the office. It is a regular, full-time, salaried, exempt, represented, at-will position with no direct supervisory responsibilities. The Staff Attorney manages a client caseload, drafts legal filings under senior-attorney supervision, collaborates with social workers and other stakeholders, and contributes to project reporting, policy advocacy, and public presentations. The role requires respect for Quaker values and AFSC’s principles, including nonviolence and recognition of the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Requirements

Admission to a state bar; New Jersey bar admission is preferred.
At least one year of experience with immigration law and procedures.
Excellent legal skills and an understanding of movement lawyering principles.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
Self-motivation, attention to detail, organization, and ability to prioritize assignments and workload.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with coworkers, clients, the public, and donors.
Familiarity with software applications in Windows and cloud-based environments.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel as required.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Experience with Microsoft Office and related technology.
Ability to work under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Respect for Quaker values and testimonies, and knowledge of and support for AFSC principles and philosophy, including nonviolence and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
Respect and sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, and religious diversity, and familiarity with nonviolent approaches to problem solving.
Ability to organize, plan ahead, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated dedication to fairness, equity, and inclusion across race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

Nice To Haves

Removal defense experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French.
Admission to practice in New Jersey.

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth individual consultations and represent indigent, unrepresented immigrants before the Elizabeth, Newark, and other Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal District Courts, and Courts of Appeals.
Draft habeas petitions, complaints, motions, briefs, and other federal court filings under senior attorneys’ supervision, addressing matters including due process, unlawful detention, and agency inaction.
Participate in meetings with government representatives, jail staff, and service providers.
Document project experiences and help prepare AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
Manage a caseload and maintain organized client files, including applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow-up work; maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
Work with AFSC social workers to address clients’ social-service needs.
Collaborate with AFSC staff and other stakeholders on policy and advocacy concerning issues raised by clients and constituents.
Conduct presentations on immigration issues.
When representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at detention centers and jails, and monitor other enforcement trends for reports and advocacy.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.