Senior Immigration Attorney

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy and Newark, NJ that reach thousands of immigrant and working class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems, and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation.  In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation’s first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Position Opening:

Make the Road New Jersey seeks a senior staff attorney to provide supervision and support to our growing legal services team. The position will be partially remote with work conducted in one of our offices in Elizabeth, Passaic or Perth Amboy. The individual will provide legal representation on a wide range of matters, with a focus on immigrant kids.

Main Responsibilities But Not Limited To:

• Independently manage a caseload of affirmative and deportation defense cases, including asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, and motions to reopen;
• Assist in the supervision of staff attorneys and legal representatives;
• Conduct immigration consultations and provide legal advice and referrals; 
• Provide topic-specific trainings in immigration law and practice for legal staff;
• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship clinics;
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and community partners;
• Provide policy support and legal advice to MRNJ’s community organizing campaigns;
• Contribute to grant applications and reports.

Requirements

• Eligible to work in the US
• Fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to first day of employment
• Membership in good standing in the bar of New Jersey
• J.D. from an accredited university;
• Proficiency (fluency preferred) in Spanish.
• A commitment to social justice and community lawyering;

Job Competencies:

• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and writing skills;  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members;  
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• At least three years of experience practicing before immigration agencies;
• Prior experience training staff and supervising casework; 

Benefits and Salary:

Competitive annual salary based on relevant work experience, education, and other factors. This position includes a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401K. 

To Apply:      

Please submit resume and cover letter at the Make the Road New Jersey Career Center.

Make the Road New Jersey is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employers and seek to ensure equal opportunity and equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to race, creed, religion, color, citizenship, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, genetic information and sexual orientation, in all employment decisions including but not limited to hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.