Senior Staff Attorney

Organization: New York Immigration Coalition

Senior Staff Attorney

Department: Legal

Team: Legal

Reports to: Managing Attorney

Direct Reports: Up to three full-time staff (Staff Attorneys and/or Senior/Paralegals) and a cohort of part-time contract attorneys

Employment Status: Permanent, Full Time/Exempt (40 hours/week)

Location: Applicants based in New York City, Long Island, Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Western New York, or Finger Lakes are welcome to apply. Position will require regular travel within New York State, including the regions listed above and other parts of New York State. This position will involve extensive in-person work in the field. When not in the field, the position allows for 1 remote day per week, with the remaining days in the office.

Salary : $120,000/year**

Overview of the Organization

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York's diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people's lives, and to strengthen our state. 

Our organizational values: Inclusive & Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.

Position Overview

The Senior Staff Attorney will serve as an on-the-ground immigration attorney contributing to a network of legal services across several regions of New York State, with a focus on vulnerable immigrant populations and emerging legal services needs. The Senior Staff Attorney, in coordination with the Managing Attorney, will oversee and provide limited scope affirmative and defensive services to clients. On a case-by-case basis and dependent on expertise, the Senior Staff Attorney may engage in full scope representation in complex cases.

The Senior Staff Attorney will directly supervise up to three full-time staff, among them Staff Attorneys and/or Senior/Paralegals, as well as a cohort of part-time contract attorneys. The Senior Staff Attorney will report to the Managing Attorney and will work closely with internal teams as well as external partners, including legal service providers and community-based organizations.

NYIC Legal delivers limited scope legal services via legal clinics (in-person, remote, or hybrid) and remote 1:1 legal assistance. NYIC Legal also develops special projects and rapid response initiatives to serve clients caught in the midst of changing immigration laws, policies, and practice. The Senior Staff Attorney will ensure that the legal services provided through this program are high quality and culturally responsive. Duties include 1) direct services (completing screenings, providing legal advice, drafting applications, filing limited scope motions, etc.), 2) supervising the direct services provided by Staff Attorneys, contract attorneys, and Senior/Paralegals (screenings, drafting, notarizing, etc.), and 3) providing internal training and expertise on relevant immigration legal topics.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Coordination & Provision of Legal Services 

• In consultation with the Managing Attorney, coordinate and serve as an on-the-ground immigration attorney for legal clinics and direct legal services across New York State. Contribute to regional and remote legal support from attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff, both internal and external to the NYIC.
• Provide direct limited scope legal services to clients. These services may include, but are not limited to: 1) applications for asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), 2) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) filings such as Motions to Reopen, Change of Venue, Change of Hearing Format, 3) bond and habeas, 4) in depth legal screenings for eligibility, and 5) general legal advice.
• Supervise and conduct final reviews of the direct limited scope legal services provided to clients, particularly by Staff Attorneys, contract attorneys, and Senior/Paralegals. The Managing Attorney retains final review authority. 
• Supervise Staff Attorneys and/or Senior/Paralegals, including setting expectations, supporting professional development, and managing performance.
• Address rapid response needs and support special projects aimed at combating challenges arising from adverse changes in immigration law, policy, and practice.
• Serve as a legal resource and answer questions from partner organizations, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Exercise legal judgment and advise clients in a manner that is ethically sound, trauma-informed, and adheres to best practices.
• Draft, edit, and/or review training materials for legal volunteers, legal clinic guides, resources for legal services providers, and community-facing informational documents.

Data Collection 

• Oversee and participate in data collection, tracking, and reporting to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of legal service deliverables and emerging trends.
• Communicate regularly with data management personnel to ensure efficient and accurate tracking of legal services provided and adherence to protocols.
• Adhere to, and if applicable, suggest policies and procedures to enhance the protection of personal identifying information and data privacy. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Support Legal leadership in implementing follow through of strategic decisions made regarding litigation efforts, special projects, and rapid response frameworks.
• Support internal training and capacity building efforts on the legal team and serve as a trainer on relevant topics in immigration law where appropriate.
• Liaise with legal and non-legal service providers, external partners, and other stakeholders.
• May occasionally move or carry materials weighing 50 pounds or less. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Licensed attorney admitted to practice in New York.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience representing and working with diverse immigrant communities in affirmative and/or defensive immigration postures.
• 2 to 3 years of preferably supervising attorneys or legal support staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to the NYIC's mission.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas: immigrant detention, bond or habeas, survivor-based relief, or other humanitarian relief.
• Strong skills in community organizing and community advocacy, specifically with underserved and diverse communities.
• Attention to detail, particularly in preparing applications and documents to be filed with various government agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to promote cohesion among immigration legal staff, including attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff.
• Adaptability to changing work environments, processes, and emerging needs.
• Experience with fast-paced environments and juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with successfully developing and conducting strategic collaboration and events with diverse organizations and programs; experience conducting outreach in immigrant communities for legal services preferred. 
• Bilingual English- and Spanish-language speaker preferred.
• Strong computer skills preferred, including proficiency in Legal Server, Salesforce, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Canva, Microsoft Office Suite.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer

Salary : $120,000/year**

**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

In addition to a competitive salary, the NYIC offers a full benefit plan, unlimited vacation time after 90 days of employment, paid sick time, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan. 

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter through Breezy:  

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status.