Staff Attorney

UnLocal is a community-centered non-profit organization that provides direct immigration legal representation and community education to New York City’s immigrant communities.

SUMMARY

UnLocal, Inc. is hiring a Staff Attorney for a full-time, exempt position within UnLocal’s Legal Department. Applicants with significant experience will be considered for the Senior Staff Attorney position. The staff member will primarily support UnLocal’s General Practice, which provides high-quality representation in a wide variety of humanitarian immigration matters with an emphasis on removal defense. The role may also touch other parts of UnLocal’s work, including the Pro Se Plus Project, the Post-Order Defense Team (which is part of the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative), and the Queer Immigrant Justice Project. The role demands an innovative approach to problem-solving, a deep commitment to clients, and a collaborative work style.

The Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney will provide legal representation before the Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and occasionally in District and Circuit Courts, as well as advocacy with ICE and USCIS. This full-time, exempt position reports to a Supervising Attorney.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Representation & Legal Advocacy:
   • Conduct client intake interviews, assess eligibility for immigration relief, and provide comprehensive legal consultations.
   • Represent clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Courts, including the preparation and filing of all necessary motions, applications, and appeals.
   • Handle a diverse caseload of complex immigration matters, including asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture (CAT) claims, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief.
   • Prepare and submit affirmative immigration filings, such as asylum applications, adjustment of status, DACA, U Status, T Status, and other forms of relief.
   • Conduct legal research, draft legal memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents to support client cases.
2. Community Education & Outreach
   • Workshops: Collaborate with UnLocal’s Education and Outreach team to develop and present KYR and other information tailored to immigrant communities. Deliver legal information in accessible formats during community events.
   • Legal Clinics: Participate in on-site and virtual legal clinics, providing direct support including screenings, legal consultations, application assistance (I-589, I-765), pro se trial preparation, etc.
   • Materials Development: Assist in creating educational content and handouts for community distribution to promote legal literacy on immigration processes and defenses.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. degree and admission to the bar of New York State.
• At least 3 years of relevant immigration law experience, including removal defense.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, multitask, and solve problems.

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED, QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in a second language, particularly Spanish and/or French, to effectively communicate with diverse client populations is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with LGBTQ+ community members, people of color, and youth.
• Familiarity with pro se legal representation and resources, enhancing support for clients navigating their own legal processes.
• Experience in community education and outreach, particularly in immigrant communities, to promote understanding of legal rights and resources.
• Knowledge of federal litigation processes and experience handling cases in federal courts, particularly in immigration law contexts.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary range is $75-80K, dependent on experience.
• Full premium coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Contributions to commuter benefits and access to 401k.
• Professional Development and Wellness Funds.
• UnLocal staff work in a hybrid in-person/virtual setting.
• 40 days of paid time off (PTO), which is available to be used for any reason the staff member sees fit.
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year’s (not counted towards PTO).
• After three years of employment with UnLocal, staff are eligible for a four-week paid sabbatical.
• Promoting work-life balance through Flexible Fridays.

If you are passionate about making a difference, please submit your resume and cover letter to Adrian@unlocal.org. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Attorney to our team.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.