Staff attorney - law

Senior Staff AttorneyThe American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.General Summary Of Position: The Senior Staff Attorney will be part of the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that provides representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and people who are living in their communities. The Senior Staff Attorney is responsible for: direct legal representation; supporting staff attorneys and legal assistants in a specialized area; and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities.Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to indigent, unrepresented immigrants before the Elizabeth and Newark Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals (where possible).Provide support and mentorship to AFSC Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues.Provide expertise in federal litigation and particularly habeas petitions and petitions for review before the Circuit Court of Appeals, and serve as a resource to AFSC staff for this area of law, including providing trainings and case consultations.Assist in the documentation of the project's experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. In collaboration with AFSC staff and other stakeholders, engage in policy and advocacy work concerning issues raised by clients and constituents.Conduct presentations on immigration issues.Respond to media inquiries about government practices where appropriate and provide information to the media to publicize the impact of policies on immigrants and their families.If representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at the detention center and jails and other enforcement trends for use in reports and advocacy activities.Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.Other duties and projects as assigned.Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training and engaging employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.Minimum Experience And Qualifications:Law Degree is required.Minimum three years' experience with immigration law and procedures required, especially removal defense, with a focus on federal litigation.Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French preferred.Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.Ability to work evenings and/or weekends and to travel, asAbility to work effectively independently and within a team environment.Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Legal Job Code Attorney 2 Minimum Starting Salary $77,000. comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, STD & LTD, defined benefit pension plan, 403b match, plus other benefits including vacation, PTO, sabbaticals, extended leaves, holidays, participation in unemployment and worker's compensation and social security.The American Friends Service Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity within our organization. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.AFSC's Central Office and some of its offices in the U.AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.