Attorney Fellow or Senior Attorney Fellow

New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children

The New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC) is seeking a highly-motivated attorney to provide representation to unaccompanied immigrant children (UCs) and similarly-situated youth in immigration proceedings. Subject to funding availability, this position will convert to staff attorney role in 2026.

About NJCIC

NJCIC is a state-wide legal services and policy advocacy organization dedicated to empowering young immigrants. We provide holistic, youth-centered legal representation, drive systemic change to advance immigrant rights, and build community through collaboration and education. NJCIC’s Legal Program provides direct immigration legal services to youth under 21 in removal defense and applications for asylum, special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS) and other benefits, and serves as the intake and referral hub for all unaccompanied children seeking help from a state-funded program providing free representation in immigration court. We empower immigrant youth and families by conducting Know Your Rights sessions and developing youth-oriented educational materials and improve representation and advocacy on behalf of immigrant youth by convening trainings and bimonthly provider meetings. We envision a just and equitable New Jersey where young immigrants can flourish and lead full, fearless lives.

Job Responsibilities

The Attorney Fellow/Senior Attorney Fellow will have an exciting opportunity to work with NJCIC’s Legal Team and our partners on initiatives that will expand NJCIC’s capacity to holistically serve immigrant youth throughout the state. The Attorney Fellow/Senior Attorney Fellow will provide trauma-informed and culturally-responsive immigration representation to youth clients who have been designated as unaccompanied children (UC) or are otherwise at high risk of removal. In addition to these core responsibilities, the Attorney Fellow/Senior Attorney Fellow will be involved in NJCIC’s intake and referral program that connects immigrant youth to free legal representation provided by partners across the state. The attorney will also participate in developing materials and conducting information sessions to educate community members about their immigration legal rights.

Under the direction of the Managing Attorney and Legal Director, the Attorney Fellow/Senior Attorney Fellow will:

• Represent unaccompanied children and similarly-situated youth under 21 in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court, in Family Court as needed to apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and in affirmative matters before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Prepare and file forms, affidavits, other supporting documents, motions, and legal memoranda for submission to USCIS and the Immigration Court.
• Conduct intake and screening interviews of youth and caregivers and provide brief advice and referrals.
• Review and prioritize incoming referrals for representation with legal service providers as part of NJCIC’s intake and referral function for a state-funded program.
• Maintain legal case management processes including data and file management and grant reporting.
• Develop educational resources and materials tailored to immigrant youth to inform them of their rights and help them preserve eligibility for relief.
• Participate in Know-Your-Rights events, trainings, conferences and community provider meetings.
• Supervise paralegals. support staff, interns, and volunteers as needed.
• Other duties as determined by the Managing Attorney, Legal Director or Executive Director.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the New Jersey State Bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to apply to the New Jersey State Bar immediately.
• For Attorney Fellow: a minimum of 1 year of experience practicing immigration law. Experience in removal defense, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum is preferred but not required. Significant experience in law school may count towards this requirement.
• For Senior Attorney Fellow: a minimum of 4 years of experience practicing immigration law. Experience in removal defense, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum is preferred but not required. Significant experience in law school may count towards this requirement.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Experience in using culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed techniques to work with children or other vulnerable populations.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with experience in working with community partners to develop or sustain a new program or project
• Cultural humility and comfort working in and promoting a diverse workforce.
• Flexibility and interest in working at a small, dynamic and growing organization to expand capacity to serve immigrant youth.
• Experience (whether lived experience or professional experience) with immigrant communities in New Jersey a plus.

The current salary range for an Attorney Fellow starts at $75,000-$80,000 depending upon experience. The current salary range for a Senior Attorney Fellow starts at $85,000 with progressive increases depending upon experience. NJCIC offers excellent benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous leave, and 401(k) match. NJCIC has a hybrid work model - staff work a minimum of two days a week at an amenity-filled co-working space in Jersey City and the remaining days remotely. The position will require occasional travel to meetings, events, and court appearances.

Please include in your application:

• Resume, cover letter and writing sample
• Level of fluency in Spanish in cover letter
• Whether you are applying for the position of staff attorney or senior staff attorney

NJCIC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, LGBTQIA+ people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.