Staff Attorney/Senior Staff Attorney – Immigration

The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), founded in 1974, is a New York-based national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all.

AALDEF’s Immigrant Rights Program uses legal representation, litigation, policy advocacy, community education, and organizing to support Asian immigrants of all backgrounds. We follow a movement lawyering model and work alongside directly affected immigrant communities for humane and dynamic immigration laws and policies, where the dignity of all migrants is realized.

We currently work with a number of Southeast Asian organizations fighting the deportations of community members with removal orders due to old criminal convictions. We are especially interested in candidates with experience doing “crim-imm” cases who can help lead our efforts to build a deportation defense network for Asian communities. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to do direct services, federal court litigation, and policy work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with community organization and partners to coordinate and conduct legal clinics, screenings, and intakes;
• Provide direct representation to clients in both affirmative and defensive settings;
• File motions to reopen for individuals with removal orders based on criminal convictions;
• Litigate immigration issues in federal courts;
• Conduct policy advocacy on immigrants’ rights issues;
• Prepare community education materials and presentations and providing legal support to support community-based partners;
• Provide technical support to respond to immigration-related inquiries through our general intake and from community partners; and
• Provide mentorship to fellows, junior attorneys, community advocates, and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, including familiarity with Asian American communities and issues.
• At least 3 years of working as an immigration attorney, including removal defense experience.
• Detail-oriented, organized, independent, and quick.
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with diverse communities.
• Licensed to practice law in New York or another state with willingness to take the NY Bar.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• This position is hybrid and includes a mix of in person and remote work.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations
• Familiarity with “crim-imm” issues
• Experience conducting policy advocacy
• Ability to speak an Asian language