Immigration Attorney

Project Rousseau • Full-time • New York, NY, US • $70k - $85k / year • 1d ago

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.

Position Overview

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we provide a pathway to hope and opportunity. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. 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 is seeking a staff attorney who shares our passion for justice and our unwavering commitment to empowering immigrant families and youth.

This is a full-time on-site position located in Manhattan (New York). The successful candidate will be expected to provide legal representation to immigrants on a variety of legal matters. This includes but is not limited to the representation of immigrants in removal proceedings, SIJS applications, and affirmative applications for asylum or adjustment of status.

This is a city contract-funded position with an initial term of one year. Renewal is contingent upon continued funding and organizational need, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years.

Responsibilities include:

Intake and Orientation:

Conduct comprehensive intakes with clients to assess their eligibility for immigration relief.
Conduct legal orientations, including Know Your Rights trainings, to empower including Know Your Rights trainings, to empower community members.

Legal Representation:

Complete applications, filings, and motions on behalf of clients with accuracy and attention to detail.
Appear in immigration and/or family court as necessary to advocate for clients' interests and rights.
Provide comprehensive legal representation to children in immigration matters, including but not limited to asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U Visas, and T Visas.
Assist clients in preparing supporting evidence and affidavits.

Additional Responsibilities

Facilitate internal and external referrals to education, healthcare, and other essential services to ensure holistic support for clients.
Adhere to MOIA contractual requirements to refer individuals to other services as appropriate.
Maintain accurate documentation and reporting of service delivery to ensure compliance with funding requirements and uphold organizational standards.
Supervise and provide guidance to paralegals, interns, and volunteers to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Proactively identify and propose additional responsibilities aligned with the organization's mission and the candidate's skills and interests to best serve underserved youth
Some student drop-in responsibilities and other tasks at the discretion of the organization’s Executive Director

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education and Licensing:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active bar license in any U.S. jurisdiction.

Experience:

At least 1 year of demonstrated experience in immigration law, encompassing removal defense, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, and U and T visas.

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

Skills and Attributes:

Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people and their families.
Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and a knack for innovative thinking.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent organizational skills, including time management, record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

Values and Commitment:

Deep commitment to social justice and a passion for serving immigrant communities.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with discretion, empathy, and sound judgment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Job Location: 1560 Broadway, NY, 10036. Please note this is an in-person role. Candidates should be comfortable with being in-person at least 4 days per week.

Salary Range: $70,000 to $85,000/year

Benefits: Employer contribution to ICHRA (Healthcare Reimbursement)

Application: Cover letter and resume should be submitted to Beth@ProjectRousseau.org. This position is for an immediate start and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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