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Immigration Attorney

El Centro Hispanoamericano • Full-time • Plainfield, NJ, US • $60k - $70k / year • 2w ago

STAFF ATTORNEY, Full-Time, Immigration

El Centro Hispanoamericano (Plainfield, New Jersey)

525 East Front Street, Plainfield, New Jersey

www.elcentronj.org

About Us:

El Centro Hispanoamericano, founded in 1984, is a nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to providing high-quality immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrant individuals and families in New Jersey.

Our mission is to advocate for immigrant rights, promote access to justice, support community empowerment, and address community needs through our food bank, social services, and educational programs. Our current staff consists of a highly experienced Executive Director and accredited representatives and legal assistants.

As the demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking a motivated attorney to help meet the expanding needs of our clients. In addition to having experienced colleagues with whom they can consult, the staff attorney can consult with highly engaged board members, including immigration attorneys and other immigration professionals.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated Staff Attorney to provide direct legal representation to immigrants in various matters, including asylum, family-based petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U Visas, T Visas, and removal defense. The ideal candidate is passionate about immigrant rights, has experience in immigration law, and thrives in a collaborative, community-based setting. Our Executive Director is responsible for the overall organization, and the Staff Attorney will be responsible for their legal work product.

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide direct legal representation to clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), New Jersey Family Court and other administrative agencies.
- Represent clients in removal defense cases, including bond hearings and asylum applications.
- Prepare and file family-based petitions, naturalization applications, humanitarian relief applications, and other immigration-related legal filings.
- Conduct legal consultations and assess case eligibility for various forms of immigration relief.
- Engage in community outreach and education, including “Know Your Rights” events, workshops, and legal clinics.
- Collaborate with other legal and social service providers and El Centro’s partners to ensure holistic support for clients.
- Stay updated on changes in immigration law and policy.
- Assist in preparing El Centro’s reports for funders.
- Attend immigration law training and conferences.

Qualifications:

- J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to the bar (New Jersey preferred or willingness to obtain NJ admission).
- 1-3 years of experience in immigration law, preferably removal defense or humanitarian relief cases.
- Strong written and spoken Spanish and English are required.
- Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice.
- Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, client-centered environment.
- Willingness to travel within New Jersey for court hearings, client meetings, and outreach events. Driver’s license and access to a car are helpful.

Compensation & Benefits:

- Salary: $60,000- 70,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities, including CLEs and training
- Hybrid work options available with minimum of 3 days in-person

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to: Silvia Hernandez, Executive Director at: shernandez@elcentronj.org

El Centro Hispanoamericano is 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 historically excluded groups to apply.