Staff Attorney Immigration

Immigration Staff Attorney - Unaccompanied Minors Program

ALBANY, New York

PLS is seeking a staff attorney to provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons who are facing deportation. We seek to minimize the harsh and disproportionate immigration consequences of contact with the criminal justice system by providing highly qualified and competent representation to immigrants facing deportation. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of one year experience in immigration and preferably crimmigration law; a demonstrable interest in practicing immigration law; experience in Deportation/Removal Defense; and fluency in Spanish is preferred. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration and dedicated to the job.

The Staff Attorney will provide a full range of legal services for the Unaccompanied Minors Program, including, but not limited to, consultation with clients, representation of clients in  removal hearings before immigration courts, preparation of asylum and similar applications  and representation of clients  before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals and/or  United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and representation of clients in state court proceedings for the purpose of obtaining the necessary orders for minors to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. 

The Staff Attorney may also conduct legal screenings and Know Your Rights Presentations to minors detained in youth shelters.  The attorney will provide representation of clients at master calendar and merits hearings at Immigration Court and provide legal and other assistance as needed. The staff attorney will also represent clients for applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration and Customs Enforcement including asylum applications, employment authorizations, U visas, T visas and adjustment of status. 

The Unaccompanied Minors Program requires the attorney to represent minors who are less than 18 years of age when their case is commenced and are living with sponsors in Upstate New York.  The attorney will also be responsible for engaging in community outreach to identify minors who may be eligible for representation in this program. The Staff Attorney will be required to submit to a background check. Fluency in the Spanish language is preferred but not required. Please list all language skills and level of proficiency. 

Qualifications

• JD Degree and bar admission in good standing in New York State or other state or pending admission to bar is required. 

• Experience in immigration law, family law or other litigation experience, which can include clinical or internships.

• Strong research, writing and oral advocacy skills. 

• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues.

• Ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. 

• Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills; ability to timely respond to and balance numerous requests for assistance. 

• Valid New York State drivers license

• Willingness to travel

PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY:  This posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on the candidate’s qualifications.  The salary range for this vacancy is $68,300 to $82,782.  

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

Formerly incarcerated individuals or previously detained individuals are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to mdunn@plsny.org. No phone calls please. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.