Supervising Attorney

Organization Overview

UnLocal is a NYC-based nonprofit providing immigration legal services and community education. The Post Order Defense (POD) Team is UnLocal’s arm of the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative (RRLC) — a statewide partnership with Make the Road NY and New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) that serves individuals with final orders of removal, in particular those detained or at imminent risk of detention.

Position Summary

The Supervising Attorney will lead UnLocal’s contributions to the RRLC by overseeing legal services for clients with final removal orders. This includes managing POD staff, shaping legal strategies, and ensuring RRLC deliverables to city and state funders are met. The ideal candidate brings immigration litigation experience, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to immigration justice. This is a full-time exempt position that reports directly to the Legal Director.

Core Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Representation

• Lead UnLocal’s post-order legal practice.
• Represent clients in complex immigration and federal court matters (e.g., motions to reopen, BIA appeals, habeas petitions, and stays).
• Develop and oversee pro se support strategies, including motion clinics and community legal education.

RRLC Coordination

• Serve as UnLocal’s lead within RRLC — coordinating on case trends, strategic goals, and referral management with RRLC partners.
• Liaise with city, state, and community stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and advocacy.
• Draft and review advocacy materials in coordination with RRLC partners.

Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise a team of up to 4 FTE.
• Guide case triage and intake prioritization using RRLC Airtable and intake trends.
• Provide legal mentorship, conduct case reviews, and host internal legal trainings.
• Provide technical assistance across legal teams on post-order defense matters.

Reporting & Compliance

• Lead program data tracking, oversee preparation of grant reports, and ensure compliance with ethical and funding standards.
• Participate in monthly RRLC leadership meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• JD and NY State Bar admission
• Admission to Southern District of New York and Second Circuit Court of Appeals
• 5+ years of experience in immigration law, including removal defense.
• Supervisory experience with attorneys and legal staff.
• Strong knowledge of ICE enforcement systems and post-order relief strategies.
• Excellent written, oral, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to UnLocal’s values of equity, justice, and community-centered legal practice.

Preferred, but not required, Qualifications:

• Spanish or other language proficiency strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of federal litigation processes and experience handling cases in federal courts, particularly in immigration law contexts.
• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $88,000–$95,000 (Depending on Experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer-covered)
• PTO: 40 days + winter break closure
• 401(k), commuter and wellness benefits, professional development stipend
• Sabbatical eligibility after 3 years
• Flexible Fridays to promote work-life balance

To Apply:

This position will require working in the office a minimum of 1 day a week. UnLocal’s offices are located in midtown Manhattan.

This position primarily involves sedentary work, including extended periods of sitting, use of a computer, and communication via phone and video conferencing. Travel will be required for court appearances, community outreach, or partner meetings. Position frequently moves items of up to 10 pounds across the office or into off-site locations.. Occasional weekend availability is required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the required skills, please submit your resume and cover letter to Adrian Espana at Adrian@unlocal.org. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Supervising Attorney to add to our team.