Make the Road States (MRstates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large.

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education, and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in the cities of Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy, and Newark, that reach thousands of immigrants and working-class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation’s first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Make the Road Action (MRA), a 501(c)(4) organizationis committed to building power for justice in immigrant and low-income working-class communities of color. MRA operates in five states - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. We work to create social change, connect voters to the candidates and issues that are most important to them, and work hands-on in a fast-paced environment to create long-term impact in the communities that need it most.

The Legal Department MRNJ works to strengthen the organization’s organizing work by (1) helping to envision and implement leverage strategies (including strategic litigation) that help win our organizing campaigns; (2) providing technical legal support for policy work; and (3) providing legal and support services to high-need immigrant communities and help meet the immediate needs of MRNJ’s members. The Department currently employs approximately 12 attorneys and advocates. Our legal team is integrated into all aspects of the organization’s work.

Current Opening:

The part-time (approximately 20 hours/week) immigration staff attorney will provide legal representation on a wide range of immigration matters both before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (“EOIR”) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), with a particular but non-exclusive focus on UACs, similarly-situated youth, and SIJ. The staff attorney provides legal support for active MRNJ campaigns. The position will be partially remote with work conducted in one of our offices in Elizabeth, Passaic or Perth Amboy.

This position is included in a Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide individualized assistance to clients currently in removal proceedings or eligible for immigration relief, in a broad range of categories including SIJ, Asylum, U/T Nonimmigrant Status, VAWA, Cancellation of Removal, adjustment of status, and naturalization, including representing individuals in immigration, family and federal district court as well as before USCIS, with a particular emphasis on UACs, similarly situated youth, and SIJ;
Manage active caseload as determined by department and annual goals, and maintain client files in good order, including photocopying/scanning applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in Legal Server or other case management systems;
Conduct initial consultations and intake appointments with clients, performing legal analysis of facts, making determinations on when to retain clients for representation, and maintaining client contact with active clients and other parties. Counsel clients on risks and benefits of various case strategies;
Translate documents or secure translations as necessary, and secure interpretation assistance, as necessary;
Work with MRNJ’s Social Worker to meet clients’ social service needs;
Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship and other legal clinics;
Represent MRNJ on panels, at conferences, and at events, as the need arises;
Provide policy support and legal advice to MRNJ’s community organizing campaigns including drafting legislation, creating one-pagers for organizing and community, drafting memos of support or opposition, coordinating with coalitions, legal research and drafting for impact litigation, advocating for legislation with elected officials.
Participate in some organizing and organization-wide events;
Participate in team and department meetings and assist with grant reports;
Participate in ongoing CLE and other trainings related to areas of immigration law;
Apply movement lawyering principles and other critical concepts that underscore our organizational approach to building power, such as racialized capitalism.

Requirements:

Eligible to work in the US;
At least 2 years of immigration legal practice experience, which may include clinic and/or legal internships;
Membership in good standing in the bar of New Jersey;
J.D. from an accredited university;
Proficiency (fluency preferred) in Spanish;
Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice and community lawyering, and an understanding of the challenges facing low-wage workers, immigrant communities, and communities of color;
Interest in supporting community organizing, campaigns, and policy and advocacy initiatives;
Desire to work collaboratively;
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.

Job Competencies:

Excellent written and oral communication skills, analytical, organizational, and writing skills;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public;
Self-motivated; detail oriented, well-organized, and be able to prioritize
assignments and workload;
Interpersonal and organizational skills of the highest caliber;
Strong computer skills;
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high intensity environment;
High level of accountability and initiative;
Analytical Thinking;
Problem Solving Ability;
System-Oriented;
Attention to Detail;
Empathetic Outlook;
Team Player

Preferred Skills:

Experience working in immigration legal services;
Experience working among populations that make up major portions of MRNY’s membership, such as documented and undocumented immigrants, members of TGNCIQ communities, and youth.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships of trust and mutual respect in coalition work.

Salary and Benefits:

MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The hourly range for this position is from $36.05 to $40.38.

To Apply:

Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New States career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.

Make the Road States

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Immigration Staff Attorney