ASSOCIATE SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, REMOVAL DEFENSE PROJECT

Catholic Migration Services (“CMS”) provides high-quality free immigration, employment, and housing legal services, community education, and advocacy for low-income immigrants residing in Brooklyn and Queens. CMS is committed to “welcoming the stranger in our midst” by serving and working alongside underserved immigrant communities to advance equality and social justice in an ever-changing landscape.

POSITION:

CMS’ Immigration Unit seeks a full-time, highly motivated, experienced, and passionate immigration attorney to serve as Associate Supervising Attorney for our Removal Defense Project (RDP), reporting to the RDP Supervising Attorney. The Associate Supervising Attorney will assist the RDP Supervising Attorney with supervision of a team of attorneys and paralegals that provides full legal representation in a wide range of immigration-related proceedings to non-detained immigrants and affirmative applicants, conducts legal screenings to determine eligibility for relief, collaborates in the provision of legal services and internal/external reporting, and conducts trainings and community presentations. The Associate Supervising Attorney will also maintain caseload that allows for supervisory responsibilities. The Associate Supervising Attorney will be based in our Brooklyn office but will be expected to periodically work out of the Queens office and may supervise staff located at both offices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervise RDP attorneys and paralegals, second seat junior RDP attorneys in family and immigration court, as well as related federal court proceedings.
• Schedule regular support meetings, develop staff work plans, monitor compliance with office protocols (including adherence to grant and contract requirements) and provide feedback on performance and caseloads on an ongoing basis.
• Work collaboratively with other supervisors and program managers to facilitate the provision of legal services in a holistic manner across all of CMS’ worksites;
• Supervise clinical and/or other intern recruitment and assignments, coordinating with other CMS staff to advance the work of the organization;
• Represent clients in immigration legal proceedings, including affirmative filings and removal proceedings, appeals and motions before the Board of Immigration Appeals and related federal litigation matters, and New York State family courts;
• Identify professional development opportunities for RDP staff, develop in-house trainings, and mentor staff members;
• Maintain organized and up-to-date physical and electronic client files in accordance with office procedures;
• Assist in planning and implementing strategic projects related to immigration legal services;
• Develop and provide trainings and presentations on various immigration topics;
• Provide periodic reports to RDP Supervising Attorney and the Managing Attorney concerning the team’s work, progress towards meeting contract deliverables, and caseloads;
• Assist with internal and external reporting;
• Assist in the daily operation of the office; and
• Work on additional projects, as assigned.

The current salary range for an attorney with five to twelve years of experience is $97,880.62 to $117,664.36. CMS anticipates implementing salary increases this fall. CMS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, transit benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a 403(b) retirement plan including employer contribution. We offer generous leave policies, including twenty days paid vacation, four paid personal days, twelve sick days, fourteen paid holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day off, inclusive.

• J.D. from an accredited law school;
• Fluency in second languagepreferred;
• Admission to the bar of any state, New York State Bar preferred;
• Five to twelve years of immigration legal experience;
• Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience in a legal setting;
• Excellent writing,communication and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal statutesand regulations;
• Demonstrated abilityto take initiative and work independently, as well as to work collaboratively with a team; and
• Ability and experience working with staff and clients from diverse backgrounds and communities and survivors of trauma.