Managing Attorney - Immigration Legal Services

Summary

Through the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division, Catholic Charities Community Services is a leading provider of high-quality immigration legal services in New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley. The Managing Attorney for Community Legal Programs is a legal leadership role in the Division’s Immigration Legal Services Department, reporting to the Director of Legal Services. The Managing Attorney is responsible for overall program management of a portfolio of diverse, community-based legal programs in the Bronx and Lower Hudson Valley. The Managing Attorney leads a team of attorneys and oversees all legal work within their portfolio, which includes but is not limited to community legal clinics, pro bono programming, and community-based pro se and legal representation. In collaboration with the Director of Legal Services and other Managing Attorneys, this position is a key contributor to the strategic direction of the Department and Division related to immigration policies and procedures, emerging issues, and best practice for legal service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage a portfolio of community-based legal programs in the Bronx and Lower Hudson Valley, including monthly community legal clinics, pro bono programs, and legal representation services.
• Provide team Leadership and Supervision by managing a team of attorneys, legal fellows, and accredited representatives as they provide the following services: (1) Representing clients affirmatively and in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), USCIS, New York family courts, and federal courts; (2) providing pro se services to unrepresented individuals and families; and providing other legal services such as consultations, advice, and referrals.
• Manage HR-related functions for the program, including hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, and annual reviews, in coordination with the Director of Legal Services. Identify and facilitate supervisory and management training for staff.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including data gathering, reporting, and audits.
• Contribute to the Team’s Legal Strategy and Policy Development collaborating with the Director of Legal Services and other senior management to develop and implement effective legal strategies, policies, and practices. Stay informed on emerging immigration issues and best practices for legal service delivery.
• Oversee and participate in training, presentations, and outreach efforts to strengthen community engagement and increase awareness of available legal services.
• Represent CCCS at local coalitions, committees, and with local elected officials to advocate for program needs and strengthen partnerships.
• Maintain a small caseload, including screening, advising, and representing clients before EOIR, USCIS, BIA, and federal courts. Ensure proper record-keeping for all cases and client interactions.
• Lead or assist in drafting grant proposals and developing new legal programs.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment for all team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor.
• Minimum of five (5) years of post-JD experience in immigration law. Experience in removal defense and program management strongly preferred, as well as experience in family court representation, and pro bono programming.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising and mentoring attorneys and other staff providing immigration legal services.
• Strong legal program and project management skills, including successfully managing, training, developing, and supervising legal staff.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives with competing priorities and timelines, and ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic and client-responsive practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and community-based legal programming.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others at all levels of leadership.
• Strong leadership skills, including ability to represent CCCS as a legal leader, and excellent independent judgment,
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills. Strong attention to detail required.
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an aptitude for building relationships across disciplines, job titles, and agencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally and linguistically responsive services and principles.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and sensitively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Admission to the New York State bar (preferred).
• Bilingual in English and a second language (preferred).

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

The position will require the Managing Attorney to work in CCCS’s South Bronx Hub, with frequent travel to CCCS’ offices and sites in the Lower Hudson Valley, and occasional travel to CCCS’s main office in downtown Manhattan, and in immigration and family courts. The position requires willingness to travel throughout the archdiocese. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deadlines or client needs.

Working conditions and physical demands required:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Travel regularly to CCCS legal services offices in the Lower Hudson Valley and community-based partners using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Remain stationary at a workstation and in court and meetings. Use a computer at least 75% of the time.
• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during clinics, trainings, and presentations.
• Carry a laptop to work locations.

Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.