Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks law graduates and experienced attorneys to join the Fall 2027 class of our detained removal defense team in the Immigration Practice. Lateral attorneys who are available to begin earlier may be considered for a start date prior to Fall 2027.
Responsibilities- Attend training program in Fall of 2027 (unless an experienced lateral hire).
- Provide comprehensive representation to clients in detained and non-detained removal proceedings and immigration appeals.
- Litigate issues including detention, removability, and eligibility for immigration relief.
- Make regular appearances in immigration court and appear in person when required.
- Meet with detained clients in person at immigration jails.
- Effectively navigate a demanding caseload where court-imposed deadlines are short and may be changed with little notice.
- Conduct complex legal research and writing on a range of removability, relief, and appellate issues.
- File applications for immigration benefits with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, respond to Requests for Evidence, attend USCIS interviews, and file administrative appeals.
- Collaborate with supervisors, attorneys, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff to fully develop cases and build trusting relationships with clients.
- Coordinate with staff of other departments concerning overall legal strategy and client needs.
- Maintain case files, notes, and court appearance data on case management and document management systems in accordance with professional responsibility rules and BDS policies.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) degree anticipated by the start date of the incoming class in September 2027.
- Admitted to a state bar or have taken the first available state bar exam after graduation.
- Strong desire to advocate on behalf of noncitizens facing detention and deportation.
- Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate and connect with people with varied backgrounds, identities and experiences.
- Effective research, writing and advocacy skills.
- Highly organized, attentive to detail and cognizant of deadlines.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to adapt to urgent situations.
- Spoken and written fluency in Spanish preferred.
Position Information This is an exempt, salaried position in the Collective Bargaining Unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. However, attorneys may need to work outside these hours on occasion in order to accommodate court and jail visitation scheduling. The position is based at BDS's offices in Downtown Brooklyn.
BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $97,000-$109,000. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.
Application Instructions Click "Apply Now" to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
