Managing Attorney

Make the Road States (MRstates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large.

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy and Newark, NJ that reach thousands of immigrant and working class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems, and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation's first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Current Opening:

The Supervising Attorney will oversee Make the Road New Jersey’s immigration legal practice. Our team handles a wide range of immigration matters both affirmatively and defensively. The Supervising Attorney will supervise the team and provide legal support on immigration policy, organizing campaigns, and community education efforts. The Supervising Attorney will manage data compliance and grant reporting and also carry a docket of their own cases. This is an in-person (minimum four days in office), confidential, managerial salaried position that may require self-directed weekend and evening hours as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The position will be based in our Passaic office and will include work in our offices in Elizabeth and Perth Amboy. MRNJ is an unionized workplace; this position is not part of the bargaining unit.

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

Supervision:

• Oversee the provision of immigration-related legal services to MRNJ’s client and membership base of low-income NJ residents. The team handles a docket that involves a range of legal representation for individuals in immigration, family and federal district court, as well as before USCIS and the BIA.
• Some case types in which we provide representation include: SIJS, affirmative and defensive asylum, U Visas, T Visas, VAWA, Cancellation of Removal, adjustment of status, citizenship, removal of conditions, and DACA;
• Provide supervision and support to a team of ~ 5-10 immigration attorneys and advocates, as well as any interns, volunteers, or fellows, including: case distribution and staffing, using an internally developed tool; revision and substantive feedback on written work; observe and support in client interactions; case strategy development and prioritization; support, preparation, and (as necessary) accompaniment or appearances for hearings and interviews; file maintenance; data maintenance; and case closings and openings.
• Provide subject matter expertise on screening, issue-spotting and advising current and prospective clients, on inadmissibility and removability, and relief available to detained and non-detained immigrants;
• Provide topic-specific trainings in immigration law and practice for legal staff;
• Train employees on grant compliance, case management, data policies, and department and office procedures;

Community and Campaign Support:

• Provide technical legal support for MRNJ’s immigration-related policy and organizing campaigns, including drafting legislation; reviewing member and client testimony and advising on risk; training other staff and members on the legal aspects of campaigns; writing reports; lobbying visits in support of policy campaigns; drafting materials for various audiences on our key policy campaigns and victories; responding to media inquiries; and representing MRNJ at meetings with elected officials and coalition partners;
• Coordinate community outreach, including know-your-rights workshops, and legal clinics.
• Participate in some organizing and organization-wide events, such as but not limited to, Membership Assembly, Know Your Rights presentations, train the trainer presentations, legal observing;
• Work closely with MRNJ members and organizers to envision and implement strategic affirmative litigation projects and other strategies that strengthen MRNJ’s organizing;

Direct Representation:

• Handle a reduced direct legal services caseload in the area of immigration law. Providing individualized assistance to clients currently in removal proceedings or eligible for immigration relief, in a broad range of categories including SIJ, Asylum, U/T Nonimmigrant Status, VAWA, and Cancellation of
• Removal, adjustment of status, including representing individuals in immigration, family and federal district court as well as before USCIS and the BIA;
• Manage caseload as determined by department and annual goals, and as required for coverage as determined in consultation with the Legal Director.
• Maintain client files in good order, including photocopying/scanning applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in Legal Server, Box, or other case management systems.

Program Administration:

• Manage immigration-related grant reporting and supervise case data and fulfillment of reporting requirements. Assist with preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and reports. Track client cases, progress of applications, and follow up for funding purposes. Liaise with MRNJ
• Development team to compile data and report to funders on relevant grants;
• Conduct internal and external trainings for attorneys, paralegals, and other team members;
• Participate in the leadership of the Legal Department to advance departmental and organizational goals, and to develop and maintain strong funding relationships to sustain our work;
• Lead, in collaboration with the Legal Director, the hiring process to grow the legal team. Build a pipeline for recruitment.
• Assist in the development of department policies and procedures. Identify and implement best practices across the legal practice that promote zealous advocacy, data and information maintenance, and sustainability;
• Coordinate organizational process for individual consults;
• Develop and oversee clinic and pro se support strategies, including motion and application clinics and community legal education;
• Represent MRNJ to our funders, collaborative partners, and other external stakeholders including coordinating programming and reporting, attending conferences and trainings, and sharing materials;
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and community partners including local CBOs, law schools, foundations, government and other organizations, advocates.
• Maintain terms and conditions of employment in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Organizational Support:

• Participate in team and department meetings and take on a leadership role in meetings as needed. Attend, participate in, and facilitate organizational meetings, trainings, events, and cross-functional initiatives as required.
• Stay informed on local, state and national politics, organizational programs, campaigns, and operational developments to ensure accurate and consistent communication with members, partners, and the public. Proactively engage in continuous learning and application of movement lawyering principles as well as other critical concepts that underscore our organizational approach to building power, such as racialized capitalism.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, protocols, and data management practices, including accurate and timely data entry.
• Oversee the monitoring, transportation, maintenance, and return of organizational equipment and communications materials.
• Model and uphold MRNJ’s mission, values, and organizational culture in all areas of work and leadership.
• Maintain organized, professional, and functional workspaces and shared areas.
• Perform additional leadership and operational responsibilities as assigned to advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the US
• At least 4 years of immigration legal practice experience, which may include clinic and/or legal internships. Strong knowledge of ICE enforcement systems
• At least 2 years of experience managing a team, including the supervision of attorneys, and/or paralegals. Prior experience training staff and supervising casework
• Membership in good standing in the bar of New Jersey
• J.D. from an accredited university
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Spanish required
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and immigrant rights. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public
• Skills: Strong leadership, coaching, public speaking, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with familiarity in using databases and digital tools
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and vehicle and be willing to drive for work purposes
• Microsoft Office or Google Suite proficiency
• Experience with populations that make up major portions of Make the Road’s membership – such as documented and undocumented immigrants, individuals facing domestic violence, members of TGNCIQ communities, those who have experienced the criminal legal system, and youth
• Interest in supporting community organizing, campaigns, and policy and advocacy initiatives
• Desire to work collaboratively
• Willingness to grow professionally through learning, participating in trainings and accepting direction
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, writing, interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills; emotional maturity
• Manages shifting priorities and unexpected challenges effectively
• Self-motivated; detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments and workload, including managing shifting priorities and unexpected challenges effectively
• Comfortable multitasking and prioritizing tasks without guidance

Salary and Benefits:

MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $97,146.00 - $125,601.00

How to Apply: Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New Jersey career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.