Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Location: 80 Maiden Lane

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Classification: Professional

Department: Immigrant and Refugee Services

Office: Immigration Legal Services Program

Reports to: Supervising Attorney

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes____ No:__X___

Summary:

The Immigration Legal Services Program (ILSP) Staff Attorney is one of several attorneys in the Division’s legal program reporting to Supervising Attorneys. Each Staff Attorney participates in various legal program functions, including: (1) initial intake and in-depth evaluation of cases for representation; (2) participation at community legal clinics; (3) information and pro se services at the immigration courts; and (4) direct representation of NYC based clients, including adults, unaccompanied minors, and adults with children (AWC) in removal proceedings. Representation will occur before the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s NYC immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and NYC family Courts. The staff attorney will maintain an internal caseload, the size of which is dependent on contractual obligations set by funders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Other duties may be assigned:

1. Conduct initial intakes and perform in-depth evaluation of eligibility for immigration benefits and/or relief from removal and provide accurate and thorough legal advice and Know Your Rights information to potential clients.
2. Prepare and submit written evaluation memos and consult with supervising attorney and managing attorney to determine legal theory and case strategy for all cases accepted for representation.
3. Provide direct representation to clients, including representation before USCIS and EOIR in cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, U and T visas, VAWA, TPS, family- based petitions, adjustment of status, and inadmissibility waivers, cancellation of removal, requests for prosecutorial discretion, and representation in New York State courts to obtain orders necessary for SIJS.
4. 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).
5. Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining a dashboard of assigned cases, regularly updated case notes, and reporting to partners and stakeholders.
6. Maintain and update electronic files in LawLogix, as well as physical case files.
7. Train, mentor and supervise legal interns, legal fellows, and volunteers for work on individual cases, presentations, legal screenings, and related work.
8. Provide in-house and outreach trainings, presentations, and workshops, as directed.

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 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deadlines or client needs.

Working conditions and physical demands required

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Travel at least 25% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Remain stationary at a workstation, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 75% of the time.
• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.
• Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.

Qualifications:

Education, experience, and licenses:

1. Juris Doctor required.
2. Experience in family and/or immigration law, including clinical or pro bono experience, preferred.
3. Admission to NY Bar; will consider attorneys working toward admission to the NY Bar.

Skills and/or competencies:

1. Fluency in English and Spanish or other language strongly preferred.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
4. Excellent organizational, project management, and computer skills.
5. Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, particularly to children’s issues and/or immigration.
6. Experience supervising paralegals or other staff.
7. Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs, the Archdiocese and Long Island.

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.

We believe in fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment where your talent and skills are recognized, and you are given the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. We offer professional development opportunities and the tools you need to succeed in your career. Additionally, we provide competitive compensation and benefits, such as:

• Full medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off including holidays – starts at 30 days
• Flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement and other professional development programs