Supervising Attorney, Community Justice Unit

AFSC job board•Newark, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supervising Attorney supervises and supports legal services staff based out of the American Friends Service Committee’s Red Bank office while maintaining a moderate caseload and representing clients in immigration matters. The role monitors project goals and objectives, prepares reports for funders, and participates in local, state, and national advocacy activities. It also develops pro se clinics and community legal orientations, facilitates training for advocates, and organizes legal screenings and workshops for low-income immigrants. The position is based in the Northeast Region’s Immigrant Rights Program. It is hybrid, with at least one day per week in the office. Employees working from the Newark location must work in person at the Red Bank location once per month. The position is represented, exempt, regular, full-time, and at-will, and reports to the Legal Services Director.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar.
At least five years of experience in immigration law and procedures.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, well-organized, and able 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, case management systems, and cloud-based programs in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Office and Docketwise.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and travel.
Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
Experience with standard 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 for and sensitivity to 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.
Fluency in written and oral English.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in written and oral Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide training, support, and supervision to AFSC attorneys, accredited representatives, and legal assistants.
Maintain a moderate client caseload, including representation before Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, ICE, and USCIS.
Participate in meetings with government, private, and nonprofit stakeholders on immigration issues.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervising project staff, interns, and volunteers.
Monitor legal updates from courts and administrative agencies and keep staff informed.
Participate in advocacy activities supporting policy changes that positively affect immigrant clients and communities.
Participate in AFSC national migration work meetings.
Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and cases.
Document project experiences and assist with AFSC proposals, quarterly reports, reports to funding sources, and fundraising materials.
Work with the Legal Services Director to devise strategies for serving community members who proceed pro se in immigration matters.
Develop onsite and virtual pro se clinics and community legal orientations.
Facilitate training sessions for AFSC staff and advocates, and organize legal screenings and workshops for immigrant communities.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities under organizational policies and applicable laws, including engaging employees, planning and assigning work, directing and appraising performance, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.