Staff Attorney - Immigration Law Project

Staff Attorney - Immigration Law Project

Summary :

ILP, a client-centered, trauma-informed and anti-racistpractice, has been providing free or low-cost legal services to low- andmoderate- income immigrant victims of crime, violence, abuse, trafficking and torture,since 1988.

ILP is recognized by the Departmentof Justice and staffed with attorneys, accredited representatives, paralegals andfellows who specialize in immigration law, including family-based petitions,applications for permanent residency, waivers, naturalization, deportation andremoval defense, with a focus on humanitarian-based relief such as VAWAself-petitions, U Visas, SIJS and asylum.

Responsibilities :

For Program and Client-Facing Staff : Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.

For Program and Supervisors Supporting Client-Facing Staff : Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.

Coach and guide staff in their client practice that reflects these approaches.

The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing direct legalservices, including consultations and representation before the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office forImmigration Review, and for conducting presentations and trainings to internaland external audiences, including community-based organizations and otherservice-based providers on matters of immigration law.

The Staff Attorney also represents the programbefore USCIS during district stakeholder meetings and collaborates with otherorganizations on issues pertaining to ILP’s mission.

In addition, the StaffAttorney contributes to the supervision and oversight of support staff, volunteersand student interns.

Qualifications :

Must have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accreditedlaw school, be admitted to the Bar and have at least 2 years of relatedexperience.

New graduates who have completed an approved fellowship may beconsidered. Must be admitted to practice of law in any state in the

• Expertise and experience in representing clients inaffirmative applications before USCIS and in removal proceedings before theImmigration Courts are essential.
• Must have prior experience in and / or thorough knowledge of issuesaffecting survivors of domestic violence, crime, abuse, torture andpersecution.
• Must possess strong oral and written communications skills,including the ability to convey legal concepts to lay people.
• Fluency in Spanish is required. Other foreign language skillsmay be considered.
• Admission to practice and experience litigating in the federalcourts preferred but not required.

Required skills :

Mustpossess strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability toconvey legal concepts to lay people. Theability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, pleadings andcorrespondence in a clear, concise and effective manner is essential.

Must be creative and have critical thinkingskills. Must be a persuasive and effectivecommunicator. Prior experienceorganizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges ispreferred.

Must possess demonstratedappropriate communications skills with client populations, colleagues and courtstaff. Problem-solving, prioritizing,time management, team-building and organizational skills are alsoessential.

Must be familiar with legalservices, resources and procedures available in New York City. Must possess a knowledge and understanding ofeconomic issues facing domestic violence victims, including but not limited tohousing, public benefits and child support.

Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintainrelationships with various individuals, organizations and government agenciesis essential.

SafeHorizon is committed to providing a reasonable accommodation to ensureindividuals with disabilities can meet any physical demand requirement(s) ofthe position, or otherwise perform the corresponding task(s), where possible.

If you require a reasonable accommodation,including to participate in the job application or interview process, please contactyour Human Resources Recruiter.

ADA / EEO / OSHA Statement :

Safe Horizon is committed tothe principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all Federal,State, and Local laws concerning employment discrimination, harassment andretaliation including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Safe Horizon ensuresequal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color,age, gender, sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions,religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawfulimmigrant status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status orliability for service in the United States Armed Forces.

We are dedicated toproviding an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff andclients.

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me.

I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.

This position is subject to acollective bargaining agreement to be negotiated with local 2325 of the UAW.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. Technology Statement :

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service.

Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.