Immigration Attorney

AGENCY BACKGROUND:

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1979. NMIC has grown into a leading multi-service agency with over 140 staff members serving New York City with a focus on upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the people in our community on their paths to secure and prosperous futures. Integration is the cornerstone of NMIC’s programs, and our staff can identify and address a broad array of immediate needs through comprehensive crisis intervention services. With their matters resolved, clients move seamlessly to capacity building services through our holistic programs designed to transition individuals and families to self-sufficiency

• Our Legal, Organizing, Advocacy, and Weatherization programs meet community members’ basic needs including housing, immigration, benefits/finance, and health.
• Our Education and Career Services programs support community members as they develop the practical tools necessary to build secure and prosperous futures

Job Title: Immigration Attorney

Department: Legal, Organizing, & Advocacy

Unit: Immigration

Reports to: Managing Immigration Attorney

Location: Main Office: 45 Wadsworth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10033 and Bronx Office: 8 Clinton Place, BX, NY 10453

FLSA: Exempt

Model: Hybrid

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation is seeking an Immigration Attorney to work with NMIC’s immigration team. The Immigration Unit currently provides legal representation and advocacy in a comprehensive array of immigration matters including but not limited to: VAWA self-petitions, U-visa petitions, Battered Spouse Waivers, Adjustment of Status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Naturalization, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide legal representation and advocacy to primarily Spanish speaking community members in their immigration matters while working collaboratively with other NMIC programs to offer comprehensive client services.
• Provide direct representation to clients before USCIS in all applications for relief including, but not limited to, U visas, VAWA, Battered Spouse Waivers and SIJS.
• Examine community needs and work with management to expand NMIC’s current legal services to court representation in various immigration matters including, but not limited to, removal proceedings.
• Assist with efforts to build support and additional resources for immigration and citizenship client services including assisting in the development of grant proposals and other funding and collaborative opportunities.
• Compile and analyze programmatic statistical information for program reports.
• Assist the agency in becoming eligible for and successfully obtaining BIA accreditation.
• Provide junior attorneys and paralegals with supervision and assistance on immigration matters.
• Coordinate in-house immigration trainings for staff.
• Meet monthly with the Coordinating Immigration Attorney and the immigration team.
• Contribute and steer outreach and education programs.
• Participate in coalitions, activities, and community wide events.

Additional related responsibilities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated commitment to immigration issues.
• J.D. with admission (or pending) to the New York State Bar required.
• Relevant immigration law and court experience preferred.
• Non-profit immigration work experience a plus.
• English/Spanish fluency strongly preferred; strong Spanish language proficiency required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Ability to work in a team setting, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and to interact with management, program staff, and clients.

SALARY: $83,000-$89,000

BENEFITS: NMIC offers a competitive salary based on experience and education as well as a comprehensive and generous benefits package: medical, dental, life, and disability insurance are included; paid time off, including 20 vacation days, 15 sick days, 5 personal days, and 11 agency holidays; plus the week off from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day; a 401k with agency contribution; and other benefits.

NMIC IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: NMIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply for employment. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements. A combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise.