Supervising Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

AFSC job board•Newark, NJ

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supervising Attorney will be part of the American Friends Service Committee’s Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project providing representation for immigrants who are detained or facing removal. The position combines direct legal representation with mentoring and supervision of staff attorneys, senior staff attorneys, and legal assistants, as well as participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities. The role is based in Newark, New Jersey, with a hybrid schedule requiring at least one day per week in the office.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and 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-motivation, attention to detail, organization, and ability 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.
Experience with Microsoft Office and related technology.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
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 support for AFSC’s 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 concerning race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French.

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth individual 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.
Ensure quality legal services and support staff development.
Manage caseloads and maintain organized client files, including applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow-up work.
Maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
Participate in meetings with Department of Homeland Security representatives, jail staff, and service providers.
Monitor conditions and access at detention centers and jails, and monitor other enforcement trends.
Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports on case consultations and representation.
Assist in documenting the initiative’s experiences and preparing AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
Conduct presentations on immigration and detention issues.
Respond to media inquiries to publicize government practices and policies and their impacts on immigrants and their families.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Provide administrative support as needed and perform other assigned duties and projects.
Meet regular attendance and punctuality expectations and operate safely while following policies and procedures.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including training and engaging employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.