Staff Attorney: Detained Immigration Program - Removal Defense

Job Description

Job Description

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

We are hiring now for a January 4, 2027 start date (or later).

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one full-time Staff Attorney to join its Immigration Program, in our Batavia, NY office. This office handles work, under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. This is a public defender model program where we represent all detained people who are facing deportation and are not otherwise represented. This position will work out of our Batavia, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period. Office culture values work/life balance with reasonable working hours and discourages weekend work. Generous PTO and benefits.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Handle individual caseload and represent clients before DOJ-EOIR, DHS, and BIA defending detained low-income immigrants who are subject to removal for a variety of reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays
• Work collaboratively with Paralegals and Social Workers and act as an additional resource to them
• Grant/data reporting
• Special projects/community outreach and education as directed
• Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office. Valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Other duties may be assigned

Requirements/Skills - Required:
• Admitted to practice law (or pending bar admission)
• Organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while also being able to track and report
required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner
• Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors while also being able to work
independently
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills
• Legal research software proficiency
• The desire to want a career in litigation defending detained low-income immigrants

Requirements/Skills - Preferred (not required):
• Fluency in Spanish or French
• One year experience in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings

Those without previous experience but possessing the desire and/or language skills are encouraged to apply.

Salary/Benefits:
• Salary range: $72,725.00 (Year 1) to $95,106.00 (Year 9) based on years of relevant work experience
• Yearly raises according to published wage/step scales
• Employer-paid benefits including 90% paid health insurance premiums, company contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account to help with your deductible, short & long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, retirement contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, Vision insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
• Loan Forgiveness: ECBAVLP is an eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness program (DALF).
• A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance

• 18 paid holidays including the time between December 24 and January 1
• Accrue 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
• Accrue 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
• 10 sick days each year (5 are frontloaded, 5 are accrued)
• 2 "Sunshine Days" (bonus PTO) to be used between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated in first year, if start date is after Memorial Day)
• Flexible schedules
• Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
• Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
• Dedication to diversity and inclusion

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

VLP is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.