Staff Attorney, Immigration

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Attorney is a key position within Sanctuary for Families’ Immigration Intervention Project (IIP), a legal services project that represents thousands of survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence, and human trafficking in a broad range of immigration matters. The Staff Attorney provides consultations and application assistance to immigrant victims of gender based violence in New York City. The caseload may vary and is determined, in part, by the terms of the funding agreement that covers the positions. Other responsibilities include conducting community outreach and education, and collaborating with other agencies, including those at the New York City Family Justice Centers, to best assist and empower immigrant survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence and human trafficking and to advocate on their behalf with systems affecting their lives. The IIP operates from 5 different locations in New York City; this Staff Attorney works out of the Manhattan office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, including by preparing and filing applications for U visas, VAWA-based adjustment of status, asylum, SIJS, naturalization, and/or other forms of immigration status;
• Help to mentor project assistants, volunteer attorneys, legal fellows, and/or interns as they provide legal services, referrals and support to immigrant clients;
• Conduct screening interviews with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States immigration law;
• Advocate with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or advocate and engage in motion practice to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, and/or federal courts for the best possible outcome in clients’ cases;
• Represent Sanctuary for Families at community events and on advocacy committees and task forces;
• Advocate on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions on issues of eligibility for housing, education, and public benefits;
• Advocate on behalf of clients in family and criminal court proceedings, as needed;
• Collaborate with district attorney’s offices, other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and community based organizations to improve responses to immigrant victims of gender based violence and human trafficking, and educate and provide technical assistance on issues relating to immigrant clients.
• Contribute to Sanctuary’s efforts to educate the public, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community based organizations, and elected officials about issues related to immigrant victims of domestic violence; develop written materials and curriculum for such purposes.
• Refer victims of domestic violence and gender based violence to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;
• Maintain accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients;
• Perform other project duties or special projects as directed by Director.

Requirements

• Admitted to practice law in New York State;
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in immigration law;
• Experience working with immigrant survivors of gender based violence and/or human trafficking;
• Excellent judgment and attention to detail;
• Strong writing and analytical skills;
• Strong communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure;
• Energetic and passionate about Sanctuary’s mission of ending gender based violence and human trafficking;
• Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds;

Budgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with terms of collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/wk), Salaried/ Exempt

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
• Generous Leave Policy
• Flexible spending account / Health savings account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program
• Wellness program and rewards

Bilingual English and a relevant community language (e.g. Spanish, French, Russian)