Staff Attorney, Immigration Law Unit - Immigrant Youth Project - New York, NY

Staff Attorney, Immigration Law Unit - Immigrant Youth Project Location: New York, New York, United States Deadline: Jul 20, 2026 The Legal Aid Society's Civil Practice is seeking a Staff Attorney to join the citywide Immigration Law Unit's Youth Project team. The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) is a recognized leader in providing high‑quality representation to non‑citizens in all five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties. Our staff of almost 100 attorneys, social workers, and paralegals across seven projects work collaboratively to provide client‑centered, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive legal services. ILU offers free immigration services ranging from deportation defense to adjustment of status, legal permanent residence, and citizenship applications. We specialize in the intersection between immigration and criminal law and work with other practice areas to serve the society's diverse immigrant clients through a comprehensive service model. ILU staff represent immigrants before USCIS, immigration judges, the Board of Immigration Appeals, federal courts, and in other related matters. The Staff Attorney will provide legal services to undocumented youth and unaccompanied immigrant children at the New York Immigration Courts, before USCIS, and before Family Courts in New York City and surrounding counties. The attorney will handle cases such as special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), asylum, U/T visas, and other forms of relief. The Staff Attorney will collaborate with staff in the ILU's Youth Project, LAS' Juvenile Rights Practice, the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), and foster care agency personnel to provide immigration advice and guidance. The Staff Attorney may work with and mentor law students, pro bono attorneys, and volunteers in cases related to the Youth Project.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Lawyering Duties (95%) Screen and provide direct representation to immigrant youth in removal proceedings in Immigration Court; handle some affirmative cases. Appear in Asylum Offices to represent clients in asylum or credible‑fear interviews. Appear in Family Court in all five boroughs and in surrounding counties, including Suffolk and Nassau, to obtain predicate orders for special immigrant juvenile status. Build on existing relationships with the Society's Juvenile Rights Practice staff attorneys and others to meet the needs of undocumented youth in foster care. Conduct forums and workshops in immigrant communities and public schools on immigration issues. Other duties as assigned. Professional Development and other duties as assigned (5%) Participate in continuous professional development. Attend and provide trainings to advocates throughout the city and in Family and Immigration Courts. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar. Demonstrated commitment to representing low‑income, disadvantaged clients. At least two years of immigration law and trial experience. Excellent writing, analytical, oral advocacy, and organizational skills. Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team and manage a high volume of cases. Ability to work with pro bono attorneys, law student interns, and volunteers. Preferred qualifications: Immigration law experience. Experience working with children and youth highly desirable. Demonstrated commitment to representing or working with individuals from marginalized communities.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $84,000 – $152,500 The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. We do not sponsor employment visas or permits. For citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status needed for a TN visa.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be completed online via the career portal. Do not submit email applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF: Cover Letter Resume Writing Sample #J-18808-Ljbffr The Legal Aid Society