Supervising Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

American Friends Service Committee•Newark, NJ

20d•$82,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supervising Attorney is part of the American Friends Service Committee’s Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that represents immigrants who are detained or facing removal. The role combines direct legal representation with supervision and mentoring of attorneys and legal assistants, and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities. The position is based in Newark, New Jersey, with a hybrid arrangement requiring at least one day per week in the office. The attorney provides legal consultations and representation to low-income, unrepresented immigrant detainees in immigration courts, before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and in federal district and appellate courts. The role also supports staff development and service quality, manages case files and caseload information, monitors detention conditions and enforcement trends, prepares reports, presents on immigration and detention issues, and engages with government representatives, service providers, and the media. The position includes supervisory, administrative, and other assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to a state bar.
At least five years of experience with immigration law and procedures, especially removal defense.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
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 in Windows and cloud-based environments.
Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel.
Ability to work effectively 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

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French.

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth consultations and legal representation to low-income, unrepresented immigrant detainees before the Elizabeth, Newark, and other Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals.
Train, supervise, and support AFSC Staff Attorneys, Senior Staff Attorneys, and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues, ensuring quality legal services and staff development.
Manage caseloads and maintain client files, applications, correspondence, supporting documents, follow-up work, and case information in AFSC case management systems.
Participate in meetings with Department of Homeland Security representatives, jail staff, and service providers.
Monitor detention center and jail conditions and access, as well as enforcement trends.
Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports on case consultations and representation, document the initiative’s experiences, and assist with AFSC and funder reports.
Conduct presentations on immigration and detention issues.
Respond to media inquiries to publicize government practices and policies and their effects on immigrants and families.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Provide administrative support as needed and perform other assigned duties and projects.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including employee training and engagement, planning and assigning work, directing work, appraising performance, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality, operate safely, and follow policies and procedures.