Staff Attorney

NYLAG•New York, NY

9d•$90,262 - $100,532•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG seeks a highly motivated, full-time staff attorney to represent individuals and families applying for immigration relief before USCIS and EOIR, and to support pro bono and community-based clinics. The attorney will contact individuals eligible for assistance, field referrals from partners, conduct screenings, make appointments, prepare affirmative applications for immigration status and relief, defend clients in removal proceedings and detention, and track and collect data. The role requires handling a high volume of correspondence and cases and interacting with clients in a trauma-informed and professional manner. The attorney will represent non-detained and detained immigrants, unaccompanied minors, and families in removal proceedings in NYC Immigration Courts and other nearby jurisdictions as needed. The position also involves attending court hearings, USCIS interviews, and ICE check-ins; preparing filings for immigration and other courts and agencies; supporting application assistance clinics and outreach; collaborating with community organizations and partners; mentoring interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys; and maintaining case records and data. NYLAG is a civil legal services organization providing free legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. It serves people experiencing poverty or crisis at more than 150 community sites and through its Mobile Legal Help Center. NYLAG is committed to social justice, anti-racism, and diversity and inclusion. The position follows a hybrid work policy; most staff work in NYLAG offices or perform other in-person work at least two days per week, subject to change. Employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless an approved medical or religious exemption applies.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited school.
Admission to the New York State bar or pending admission.
Fluency in Spanish or another relevant community language.
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and creatively problem solve.
Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+ people, youth, and survivors of violence.
Excellent written, oral, and analytical skills.
Excellent time and project management skills.
Commitment to social justice and anti-racism.
Ability to interact with clients in a trauma-informed and professional manner.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of immigration experience is strongly preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal screenings and represent non-detained and detained immigrants, unaccompanied minors, and families in removal proceedings before NYC Immigration Courts and other nearby jurisdictions as needed.
Attend court hearings, USCIS interviews, and ICE check-ins with clients as needed.
Prepare and file forms, affidavits, supporting documents, motions, and legal memoranda for USCIS, Immigration Court, New York Family Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Courts as needed.
Screen for and manage application assistance clinics, including naturalization and employment authorization clinics.
Track client cases and application progress, and follow up for funding purposes.
Assist the Supervising Attorney in collaborating with community organizations, partners, and other stakeholders.
Act as a liaison to partner organizations and other external stakeholders.
Participate in screening clinics, Know Your Rights events, and other outreach events.
Mentor interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys.
Maintain up-to-date case notes, data tracking, and files.
Contact individuals eligible for assistance, field partner referrals, conduct screenings, make appointments, and prepare affirmative immigration applications.
Track and collect data and handle a high volume of correspondence and cases.
Perform other duties as needed.