Staff Attorney, Immigration Law Unit – Federal Litigation Team

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

2d • $86,520 - $157,075

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Federal Litigation team within its Immigration Law Unit. The attorney will represent low-income clients in U.S. District Courts and U.S. Courts of Appeals, safeguarding immigrants’ constitutional rights and promoting accurate and fair application of immigration laws. They will work with colleagues and clients to identify federal court interventions and undertake affirmative and other litigation challenging unlawful policies and practices, including habeas petitions, petitions for review, and Administrative Procedure Act complaints.

The Immigration Law Unit provides comprehensive immigration services to low-income New Yorkers in New York City’s five boroughs and surrounding counties. Its staff represent clients before USCIS, immigration judges, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal courts, and work across practice areas to serve immigrant clients.

The role includes developing federal litigation and supporting class actions and other affirmative litigation. The Staff Attorney will also consult with and train unit staff, work with pro bono counsel, create resources and trainings on federal court issues, and maintain case files and the case management database.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Must be eligible to immediately seek admission to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuits and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; admission to other federal district courts is desirable.
• At least two years of federal litigation or comparable litigation experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to representing or working with individuals from marginalized communities.
• 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.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Nice To Haves

• Federal litigation or comparable litigation experience in immigration law is preferred.
• At least two years of immigration law experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable but not required.
• Admission to other federal district courts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct litigation in federal district courts and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuits, including habeas petitions, petitions for review, and Administrative Procedure Act actions.
• Assist with class action lawsuits and other affirmative litigation on behalf of non-citizen New Yorkers.
• Provide individualized consultation to staff attorneys.
• Develop ILU staff skills and knowledge of federal litigation through trainings.
• Work with pro bono counsel.
• Develop pro se and pro bono lawyer resource materials and trainings on federal court issues.
• Maintain, organize, and update case files and the case management database.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other state and federal loan forgiveness programs
• New York residents may be eligible for state loan repayment assistance depending on years of practice

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree