Contract Immigration Attorney

South Brooklyn Sanctuary (SBS) is seeking a contracted attorney to provide individual immigration case support to community members attending our drop-in center and, on occasion, to those identified by staff through other programs. This role focuses on what is commonly referred to as “brief advice and counsel,” as well as short-term follow-up, including legal referrals. The attorney will work closely with the Program Director in carrying out this work.

Common issues that arise for our community members include identifying avenues for relief, navigating immigration court, responding to changes in law and policy under the current administration, and assessing risk at ICE check-ins. The attorney may set their own schedule, but hours must remain consistent and predictable so staff and community members know when support is available.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in good standing; on-the-ground experience with immigration removal proceedings
• Familiarity with NYC immigration courts and ICE office practices and procedures
• Passion for immigrant justice and for advancing pro se legal empowerment. Interest in shaping this work in close collaboration with the Program Director
• Comfortable collaborating with non-attorney staff and trained volunteers in a community-based setting.
• Fluency in written and verbal Spanish

Key Responsibilities

Supervise weekly in-person Drop-In Immigration Legal Program in Brooklyn

• Available to attend and supervise our Drop-in Program (currently on Saturday mornings but subject to change)
• Provide 15–30 minute pro se case consultations based on community members’ self-identified legal needs. Identify who should be added to a short-term pro se caseload for follow-up support by phone.
• Partner with a small cohort of volunteers who attend the program to provide language and note-taking support.
• Support the Program Director in training volunteer cohort, including providing guidance about changes to law and policy
• Support the Program Director in updating volunteer training materials and community-facing resources in response to changes in law and policy.

Manage short-term caseload.

• Provide short-term legal case support by phone following the Drop-In Program. Delegate appropriate follow-up tasks to SBS interns or handle more complex matters directly.
• Make referrals to other legal nonprofits through SBS’s legal referral network as part of ongoing case management, with administrative support from an SBS intern. Maintain working relationships with referral partners and stay familiar with their intake practices and areas of expertise so referrals are accurate and timely.

Organizational Support

• Participate in monthly all-team meetings, where possible
• Attend bi-weekly check-ins with team leadership
• Share resources and information regarding changes in law and policy that may impact direct legal support offerings and other organizational programs.

Contract Duration: 8 months, with opportunity for expansion or extension

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to info@southbksanctuary.org.

South Brooklyn Sanctuary is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran or active military service member status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Fluency in written and verbal Spanish.