The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice is seeking a Staff Attorney to join the citywide Immigration Law Unit's Youth Project team.

The Staff Attorney will provide legal services to undocumented youth and unaccompanied immigrant children at the New York Immigration Courts, before USCIS and before Family Courts in New York City and surrounding counties. The attorney will work on cases such as special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), asylum, U/T visas and other forms of relief. The Staff Attorney will also work collaboratively with staff in the ILU's Youth Project, LAS' Juvenile Rights Practice, the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), and foster care agency personnel to provide immigration advice and guidance. The Staff Attorney may work with and mentor law students, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers in cases related to the Youth Project.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Lawyering Duties (95%)

• Screen and provide direct representation to immigrant youth in removal proceedings in Immigration Court. Attorney will also handle some affirmative cases
• Appear in Asylum Offices to represent clients in asylum or credible fear interviews
• Appear in Family court in all five boroughs of the City of New York and in surrounding counties, including but not limited to Suffolk and Nassau counties, to obtain predicate orders for special immigrant juvenile status.
• Build on existing relationships with the Society's Juvenile Rights Practice staff attorneys and others to meet the needs of undocumented youth in foster care
• Conduct forums and workshops in immigrant communities and public schools on immigration issues
• Other duties as assigned

Professional Development and other duties as assigned (5%)

• Participate in continuous professional development
• Attend and provide trainings to advocates throughout the city and in Family and Immigration Courts
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Admission to the New York State Bar Demonstrated commitment to representing low-income, disadvantaged clients
• At least two years of Immigration law and trial experience required
• Excellent writing, analytical, oral advocacy, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team and manage a high volume of cases
• Ability to work with pro bono attorneys, law student interns, and volunteers

Preferred qualifications:

• Immigration law experience
• Experience working with children and youth highly desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to representing or working with individuals from marginalized communities

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range: $84,000 - $152,500

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits.

Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness

The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.

studentaid.gov

hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample