Staff Attorney

Description

Summary : The Staff Attorney works in a large and diverse legal department, reporting to a Supervising Attorney. The Staff Attorney will provide services for New York City residents, with a focus on services for unaccompanied children and other youth. These services will include : (1) direct representation of clients in removal proceedings; (2) legal consultations and in-depth evaluation of cases for representation; (3) participation in large-scale legal clinics; and (4) information and pro se services for unrepresented respondents. Representation will occur before the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s NYC immigration courts (EOIR), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and NYC family Courts. This is a grant-funded position, and continued employment will depend on future funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

1. Conduct initial consultations and perform in-depth evaluation of eligibility for immigration benefits and / or relief from removal. Provide accurate and thorough legal advice and Know Your Rights information to potential clients.

2. Independently manage a full caseload, under Supervising Attorney supervision. Provide direct representation to clients before USCIS and EOIR in cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, and U and T visas. Other cases might also include VAWA, TPS, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, inadmissibility waivers, cancellation of removal, and requests for prosecutorial discretion. Represent clients in New York State courts to obtain orders necessary for SIJS.

3. Comply with all program reporting and record-keeping requirements, which include but are not limited to maintaining an up-to-date dashboard of assigned cases, regularly updated and through case notes, accurate and updated electronic and paper case files, and timely reporting to partners and stakeholders.

4. Prepare written case evaluation memos and consult with supervising attorney and managing attorney as needed to determine legal theory and case strategy for all cases accepted for representation. Ensure thorough, written planning for case management and timeline, and adjust as needed.

5. Maintain strong working relationships with partners and stakeholders, including funders; state and local social and legal service providers; and USCIS, EOIR, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

6. Supervise substantive work of paralegals (migration counselors) on legal cases and consultations.

7. Train, mentor and supervise legal interns, legal fellows, and volunteers for work on individual cases, presentations, legal screenings, and related work. Provide in-house and external trainings and presentations, including CLEs , as directed. Engage in and lead outreach presentations.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

The position requires a willingness to travel to all five boroughs. Days and hours of work are generally 9 : 00AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet court and / or program deadlines or client needs.

Qualifications :

Education, experience, and licenses :

1. Juris Doctor required.

2. Admission to the NY Bar is required.

3. At least one year of experience in family and / or immigration law, including clinical or pro bono experience, strongly preferred.

Skills and / or competencies :

1. Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred.

2. Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills. Strong attention to detail.

3. Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment. Experience working with paralegals or other support staff.

4. Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally and linguistically responsive services and principles.

6. Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, particularly to children’s issues and / or immigration.

7. Ability to work and communicate effectively and sensitively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

8. Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs and the Archdiocese

Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.