Supervising Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Supervising Attorney will be part of the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly-funded project that provides representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and people who are living in their communities. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for: direct legal representation; mentoring and supervising staff attorneys, senior staff attorneys and legal assistants; and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities.

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

1. Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to low income, unrepresented immigrant detainees before the Elizabeth, Newark, and other Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals, as appropriate.
2. Provide training, supervision and support to AFSC Staff Attorneys, Senior Staff Attorneys, and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues. Ensure quality legal service provision and staff development.
3. Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
4. Participate in meetings with Department of Homeland Security representatives, jail staff and service providers.
5. Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of DDDI’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
6. Conduct presentations on immigration issues.
7. Respond to the media to publicize government practices and policies and their impact on immigrants and their families.
8. If representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at the detention centers and jails for use in reports and advocacy activities.
9. 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. Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
3. Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French highly desirable.
4. Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
5. Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments and workload.
6. Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, the public and donors.
7. Familiarity with software applications in a Windows and cloud-based environment.
8. Ability to work some evenings and weekends; ability to travel out of state.

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.

COMPENSATION: Salary Range 16 (starting at $70,000, commensurate with experience) - Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities, and thus requires vaccination for COVID-19; as well as adherence to social distancing, masking, and office occupancy protocols.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented under the Northeast Region’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.