Managing Attorney, Immigrant Rights Program

Full-Time, Specific Term (through December 2026 with possible renewal upon receipt of funding)

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Managing Attorney is responsible for: implementation and monitoring of AFSC’s immigration legal services in Red Bank, NJ; supervising and mentoring legal staff and providing substantive legal support on cases; providing direct legal representation; participation in statewide and nationwide immigration-related advocacy activities; and participation in immigrant rights program activities. The Managing Attorney will also play a key role in developing pro se clinics and community legal orientations, facilitating training sessions for advocates, and organizing legal screenings and workshops for low-income immigrants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: The key responsibilities of the Managing Attorney include the following:

1. Participate in grant and program planning relevant to the provision of community-based immigration legal services.
2. Provide training, support, and supervision to AFSC attorneys, accredited representatives, and legal assistants.
3. Maintain a small client caseload, including representation of clients before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, ICE, and USCIS.
4. Participate in meetings with government, private and non-profit stakeholders on immigration issues.
5. Assist in recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervision of project staff, interns, and volunteers.
6. Monitor legal updates from courts and administrative agencies and ensure staff are kept up to date.
7. Participate in advocacy activities in support of policy changes that positively impact immigrant clients and communities.
8. Participate in AFSC national migration work through the Human Migration and Mobility Network.
9. Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC proposals, quarterly reports, reports to funding sources, and fundraising materials.
10. Together with the Legal Services Director, devise innovative strategies to better serve community members who proceed pro se in immigration matters. Develop on-site and virtual pro se clinics and community legal orientations
11. Facilitate training sessions for AFSC staff, advocates, and organize legal screenings and workshops for immigrant communities.
12. Collaborate with AFSC’s Communications Department and engage with media outlets to raise awareness of immigration practices and policies and the impact of those practices and policies on immigrants and their families.
13. Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Admission to a state bar required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. A minimum of five years’ experience with immigration law and procedures preferred, especially removal defense.
2. A minimum of two years’ supervisory experience preferred.
3. Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
4. Bilingual English/Spanish required.
5. Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
6. Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, able to prioritize assignments and workload.
7. Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, the public and donors.
8. Familiarity with software applications, case management systems, and cloud-based programs in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Office and Docketwise.
9. Ability to work some evenings and weekends;

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.