Immigration Law Staff Attorney & Community Advocate

United States — International Student Market

1.2M inbound students (2025) +3%

1. India 363K

2. China 266K

3. South Korea 42K

4. Canada 30K

5. Vietnam 26K

9 international branch campuses in United States

OVERVIEW Columbia Law School is seeking a Staff Attorney with experience in immigration law to join Morningside Heights Legal Services, Inc. This position supports members of the Columbia community whose immigration status may be at risk through legal consultations, representation, outreach, and educational presentations. The role carries the university title of Associate Research Scholar and focuses on direct legal services, advocacy, and community engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal consultations related to immigration matters
• Represent members of the Columbia community in immigration-related cases
• Conduct outreach and Know-Your-Rights presentations
• Engage in immigration advocacy with CBP, ICE, USCIS, EOIR, and federal courts
• Prepare and manage district court filings
• Lead community trainings related to immigration and legal rights
• Collaborate with immigration coalitions and advocacy partners

Requirements

• Experience in immigration law
• Ability to provide legal consultations and representation
• Experience with immigration-related advocacy
• Ability to conduct outreach and community trainings
• Experience working with federal immigration agencies and courts WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This position contributes to legal advocacy and support for individuals navigating complex immigration matters within the Columbia community. The role combines direct legal services, education, and community engagement to help individuals understand their rights and access legal resources. Through collaboration and advocacy, the associate attorney supports access to informed legal guidance in a higher education environment.

Bonus: Application advice

• Highlight direct experience in immigration law, including representation and advocacy work.
• Include examples of work with federal agencies, courts, or deportation defense matters.
• Emphasize public-facing experience such as community trainings or Know-Your-Rights presentations.
• Demonstrate experience collaborating with legal coalitions, advocacy groups, or community organizations.
• Tailor application materials to show familiarity with higher education, law, and public service environments.
• Clearly outline legal writing, district court filing, and client counseling experience in your resume and cover letter.

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