Full Time Immigration Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense)
About Project Rousseau:
Project Rousseau is a non-profit organization that empowers youth in communities in the greatest need to excel in higher education. The majority of the young people served by Project Rousseau are homeless and/or asylum seekers; Project Rousseau is at the forefront of the humanitarian migrant crisis in New York City.

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we provide a pathway to hope and opportunity. We empower young people to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, understand their rights, and pursue pathways to legal status and stability. We aim to ensure that young people have access to high-quality legal representation and support as they seek to build their futures.

Project Rousseau seeks a Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense) to represent immigrant youth and families in a range of immigration matters, with an emphasis on applications for asylum. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Manhattan, New York.

The successful candidate will be comfortable preparing for and conducting individual merits hearings, including developing case strategy, preparing clients and witnesses to testify, and presenting legal arguments before the Immigration Judge. The attorney will primarily represent non-detained community members, though representation of detained clients may be required as needs arise.

The attorney will also handle master calendar hearings and other court appearances, as well as affirmative asylum and adjustment of status matters. Depending on organizational needs, the attorney may also represent clients in related matters, including SIJS proceedings in Family Court and cancellation of removal cases.

Develop case strategy and prepare pleadings, applications, motions, and briefs.

Coordinate with supporting legal team to develop client’s declarations, and supporting evidentiary documentation.

Represent clients before the immigration courts and USCIS, and coordinate with other agencies and service providers as needed.

Work collaboratively with Project Rousseau colleagues to connect clients with appropriate legal and nonlegal support.

Explain legal processes, options, and developments to clients in a clear and accessible manner.

Participate in case consultations, training, and other team activities.

degree from an accredited law school.

At least 1 year of demonstrated experience in immigration law, encompassing removal defense and asylum

Preferred: 2+ years of experience in immigration law or a related field.

Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people and their families.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

Fluency in Spanish, French or Pulaar.

Deep commitment to social justice and a passion for serving immigrant communities.

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Employer contribution to ICHRA (Healthcare Reimbursement)

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