Staff Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Attorney will be part of the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly-funded project that provides representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and who people who are living in their communities. The Staff Attorney is responsible for direct legal representation of immigrants in removal proceedings or otherwise facing removal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities of the Staff Attorney include the following:

1. Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to indigent unrepresented immigrants before the Elizabeth, Newark and other Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals, as appropriate.
2. Participate in meetings with government representatives, jail staff and service providers.
3. Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
4. Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
5. Work with AFSC’s Social Worker to meet clients’ social services’ needs.
6. In collaboration with AFSC staff and other stakeholders, engage in policy and advocacy work concerning issues raised by clients and constituents.
7. Conduct presentations on immigration issues.
8. If representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at the detention centers and jails for use in reports and advocacy activities.
9. Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Admission to a state bar required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. A minimum of one year experience (including law school clinical experience) with immigration law and procedures, with removal defense experience preferred.
2. Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
3. Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French highly desirable.
4. Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
5. Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workload.
6. Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, the public and donors.
7. Familiarity with software applications in a Windows and cloud-based environment .
8. Ability to work some evenings and weekends; ability to travel out of state.

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.

Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security. 

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. 

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities, and thus requires vaccination for COVID-19; as well as adherence to social distancing, masking, and office occupancy protocols.  

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented. 

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace. 

For consideration, please go to our website and attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions.

We will be reviewing applicants on a rolling basis.