Supervising Attorney

NYLAG•New York, NY

13h

About The Position

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a highly motivated Supervising Attorney for a full-time, permanent position. The Supervising Attorney will lead a team of paralegals and DOJ-Accredited Representatives primarily working on affirmative immigration work. The Supervising Attorney will also support the unit’s overall affirmative practice, providing supervision, training and guidance to staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers. The job requires substantive knowledge and experience practicing before USCIS, the intersection of affirmative and defensive immigration law, and overseeing the intake and clinic teams. Candidates will also be involved in the development and implementation of programming and contract management. Candidates will have a proactive ability to solve problems under time pressure, a strong commitment to providing client-centered services for clients experiencing trauma, and an ability to provide professional development and support to a team of paralegals, including intake specialists and volunteers at various stages in their careers. The Supervisor will work within the Immigrant Protection Unit at NYLAG as a part of the unit leadership team assisting with the operations of the unit, grant reporting, and development of the team and unit. The Supervisor will report directly to the Director or Associate Director of the Unit.

Requirements

J.D. and admission to New York State Bar.
Fluency in Spanish preferred, or a another language commonly spoken by the immigrant communities we serve.
Minimum 5 years of experience working in immigration law, 8 years preferred, including substantive experience representing clients before USCIS. Highly preferred experience also appearing in immigration court.
Experience supervising attorney or paralegal staff
Preferred experience supervising community and pro bono clinics.
Ability to work in a collaborative setting with other professionals.
Demonstrated commitment to working with immigrant communities and advancing racial and social justice.
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and creatively problem solve.
Excellent writing, speaking, and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public.
Experience working with survivors of trauma and the intersection of criminal law and immigration law.
Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks, and creatively problem solve.
Strong advocacy skills, including the ability to develop creative legal arguments, and individualize case strategies for clients with cases in varying legal postures.
Commitment to mentoring, teaching, and supporting staff with varying levels of experience.

Responsibilities

Provide supervision and subject matter expertise for the unit’s affirmative practice including for naturalization, adjustment of status (both family and humanitarian based), employment authorization, Temporary Protected Status, DACA, VAWA, U visas, inadmissibility, provisional waivers, and advance parole
Provide supervision and subject matter expertise for complex issues that may arise, including the Form N-648, immigration and criminal history
Provide supervision and subject matter expertise on comprehensive screening, issue-spotting and advising prospective clients on potential immigration relief
Provide supervision and training of clinic programmatic staff in logistical planning and pro bono attorneys in a large-scale setting
Manage assignment of cases and professional development for supervisees, including DOJ-accredited representatives.
Represent a small number of non-detained New York City residents, in removal proceedings before EOIR, where affirmative relief is available
Work with removal defense practice teams to provide continuation of services for clients after removal proceedings are terminated, when appropriate
Act as a liaison to partner organizations and other external stakeholders to coordinate programming and reporting.
Track client cases, progress of applications, and follow up for funding purposes. Liaise with NYLAG Development team to compile data and report to funders on relevant grants.
Conduct internal and external trainings for attorneys, paralegals, and other community advocates.
Represent NYLAG to our funders, collaborative partners, and other external stakeholders including coordinating programming and reporting, attending conferences and trainings, and sharing materials.
Develop and expand relationships with community-based organizations and partners.
Work with the IPU Supervisory Team to ensure alignment on IPU goals and policy, and collaborate services with other units, including with NYLAG’s Pro Bono and Volunteer Unit