IMMIGRATION UNIT STAFF ATTORNEY

MANHATTAN LEGAL SERVICES is seeking a dynamic attorney to work as Staff Attorney in its Immigration Unit. We seek candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice. 

Manhattan Legal Services is part of Legal Services NYC (LSNYC), the largest provider of free civil legal services for low-income people in the country. The Manhattan office provides high-quality legal services in the areas of housing, family law, public benefits, employment, immigration, LGBTQ/HIV advocacy, and consumer, education, and disability rights. We work in partnership with community-based organizations in the communities we serve to address the root causes of homelessness, hunger, and family disintegration. 

The Position: 

The Staff Attorney will represent individuals in all types of legal matters related to their immigration cases through both affirmative and defensive work in front of USCIS, EOIR, NY state courts, and other government agencies. In addition, the Staff Attorney will collaborate with staff members across LSNYC, community-based organizations, and other stake holders across the city in different initiatives to further the rights of non-citizens across NYC, including providing Know Your Rights presentations, intake clinics, and legislative initiatives. The Staff Attorney is expected to provide legal expertise for a wide range of immigration issues including, but not limited to, family-based immigration, adjustment of status, naturalization, U/T Visas, VAWA, TPS, asylum, SIJS, removal cases, other special projects as assigned, and related employment authorization documents. In addition, the attorney will develop community networks, strengthen relationships with other legal service providers and supporting agencies as it relates to community needs; train staff, volunteers, and other partners on immigration applications (e.g., asylum, TPS, EAD). 

Job Qualifications: 

· Candidates must have received a J.D. from an accredited law school and be admitted to the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in; 

· A demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low-income communities, immigrant communities, and communities of color to advance equity; 

· 1-3 years of immigration experience, including both affirmative and defensive work. Internships or clinical experiences can count towards needed experience; 

· Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills; 

· Strong organizational skills and ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced, and high-volume caseload; 

· Demonstrated interest in partnering with community-based advocates and organizations, including an   ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; 

· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; 

· Strong cultural or personal ties to the communities we serve preferred; 

· Fluency or proficiency in Spanish is preferred; and 

· Collaborative orientation, capacity to work in a team, and solution-oriented approach. 

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references by email to jobpostingsmls@lsnyc.org. Please put “Immigration Unit Staff Attorney” in the subject line. NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE Manhattan Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people identifying as LGBTQI+, and persons over 40 are welcome and are encouraged to apply. 

Bar associations and other organizations: Manhattan Legal Services seeks and welcomes your recommendations for candidates who meet the foregoing qualifications and, in addition, requests that you or your organization encourage such candidates to apply. 

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue receiving and maintaining up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations unless they cannot for medical or religious reasons.

Job#53_2024; Posted: 05.2024

Salary Range (Based on years of experience):

• 1-10 years: $74,881 - $98,355

• 11-20 years: $100,605 - $118,773

• 21+ years: $124,254 - $135,637