PLS is seeking a Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney to further PLS’ immigration administrative and federal appellate litigation practice. PLS attorneys provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons who are facing deportation. We seek to minimize the harsh and disproportionate immigration consequences of contact with the criminal justice system by providing highly qualified and competent representation to immigrants facing deportation. The ideal candidate should have a minimum three years of administrative and/or federal appellate work experience, substantively focused on crimimmigration law. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration law and dedicated to the job.

In coordination with the Litigation Director, Litigation Coordinator and Managing Attorneys, the Immigration Unit Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney (“Appellate Attorney”) will be responsible for maintaining the Immigration Unit’s appellate caseload before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This position will be responsible for assessing client needs and implementing productive avenues for statewide advocacy and litigation.

The Appellate Attorney may assist in providing training for PLS attorneys on substantive and relevant issues to best preserve appealable issues. The Appellate Attorney assists and trains PLS attorneys on substantive and relevant issues to best preserve appealable issues. The Appellate Attorney will serve as technical support in areas of substantive removal defense and appellate practice. The Appellate Attorney will also be responsible for developing networks with other attorneys to extend PLS services through pro bono, amicus curiae, and/or conflict counsel.

Qualifications

JD Degree and bar admission in good standing in New York State or other state is required
Three years of experience in immigration removal defense and federal appellate work generally required, agency and federal court appellate work in immigration specific matters preferred
Experience arguing before federal judicial benches or similar high-pressure interrogation settings required
Strong research and legal writing skills required
Experience working with indigent communities and detained individuals strongly preferred
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues
Ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental manner
Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills; ability to timely respond to and balance numerous requests for assistance
Ability and willingness to travel as needed to fulfill job functions
Fluency in Spanish and other languages strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

Salary transparency: This posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications. The salary range for this vacancy is $85,071- 96,288.

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 mdunn@plsny.org. No phone calls please. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,071.00 - $96,288.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Prisoners' Legal Services of New York

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Immigration Unit Appellate Attorney