Staff Attorney, Immigration Law Unit – Immigrant Youth Project

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

3d

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice seeks a Staff Attorney to join the citywide Immigration Law Unit’s Immigrant Youth Project. The Immigration Law Unit provides free, comprehensive immigration services to low-income New Yorkers and represents clients before USCIS, immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal courts. Its interdisciplinary staff work collaboratively across projects and practice areas to provide client-centered legal services.

The Staff Attorney will provide legal services to undocumented youth and unaccompanied immigrant children before New York Immigration Courts, USCIS, and Family Courts in New York City and surrounding counties. Matters may include special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), asylum, U/T visas, and other forms of relief. The attorney will collaborate with the Youth Project, the Juvenile Rights Practice, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and foster care agency personnel to provide immigration advice and guidance. The role may also involve working with and mentoring law students, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers.

The position includes direct representation, community education, and ongoing professional development. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, subject to the stated TN visa documentation exception for citizens of Canada and Mexico.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Demonstrated commitment to representing low-income, disadvantaged clients.
• At least two years of immigration law and trial experience.
• Excellent writing, analytical, oral advocacy, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team and manage a high volume of cases.
• Ability to work with pro bono attorneys, law student interns, and volunteers.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit; citizens of Canada and Mexico may receive a letter documenting employment status needed to obtain a TN visa.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in languages other than English.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Demonstrated commitment to representing or working with individuals from marginalized communities.

Responsibilities

• Screen and directly represent immigrant youth in removal proceedings in Immigration Court, and handle some affirmative cases.
• Represent clients in asylum or credible fear interviews at Asylum Offices.
• Appear in Family Court in New York City’s five boroughs and surrounding counties, including Suffolk and Nassau, to obtain predicate orders for special immigrant juvenile status.
• Build on relationships with Juvenile Rights Practice staff attorneys and others to address the needs of undocumented youth in foster care.
• Conduct forums and workshops on immigration issues in immigrant communities and public schools.
• Work collaboratively with the Immigration Law Unit’s Youth Project, the Juvenile Rights Practice, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and foster care agency personnel.
• Work with and mentor law students, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers on Youth Project cases.
• Participate in continuous professional development and attend and provide trainings to advocates throughout the city and in Family and Immigration Courts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Eligibility to take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs.
• New York residents may be eligible for New York State loan repayment assistance, depending on years of practice.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed