Staff Attorney

About PLS

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh.

As part of the New York State Upstate Immigration Program, PLS provides free legal representation to non-citizens incarcerated in New York State prisons who face immigration removal proceedings under the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) and to individuals in immigration detention at the Albany, Rensselaer, and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Bedford Hills and Ulster Immigration Courts, located inside New York State correctional facilities in upstate New York and at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

Job Description

The ideal candidate would possess strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; the ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic team environment; strong ability to advance case load independently; excellent organizational skills; and a commitment to serving indigent clients who have been convicted of crimes.

Clinical or professional background in immigration and/or criminal law is preferred . At the time of application, applicants must be admitted to a state bar (New York is preferred but not required) or be a law school graduate awaiting admission to the bar.

Fluency in Spanish is preferred. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in your application.

Salary and Benefits

PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are determined in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement. SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $ 71,059.32 to $94,140.59. Specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

PLS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Formerly incarcerated individuals or previously detained individuals are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to View email address on click.appcast.io. No phone calls, please. Due to the high volume of applications expected, only applicants who are contacted for an interview will receive a response. The positions will remain open until it is filled.