The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), founded in 1974, is a New York-based national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education, and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all.

AALDEF’s Immigrant Rights Program uses legal representation, litigation, policy advocacy, community education, and organizing to support Asian immigrants of all backgrounds. We are committed to advocating alongside directly affected immigrant communities for humane and dynamic immigration laws and policies, where the dignity of all migrants is realized.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and conduct legal clinics, legal screenings, and intakes in conjunction with community-based organizations and partners;
Provide direct representation to clients who are submitting affirmative applications before USCIS and/or are in removal proceedings in Immigration Court;
Prepare community education materials and presentations and providing legal support to support community-based partners;
Conduct outreach to community-based organizations and communities to provide information on updated laws and policies;
Provide technical support to respond to immigration-related inquiries through our general intake and from community partners;
Prepare both state and federal pardon applications;
Manage docket organization, including organizing and timely reporting of cases on Legal Server;
Maintain a working knowledge of laws, policies, practices in immigration law, particularly those impacting communities we work in, including those impacted by the criminal legal system;
Provide supervision and mentorship to attorneys, community advocates, and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated commitment to social justice, including familiarity with Asian American communities and issues
At least five years of experience working as an immigration attorney, including experience representing individuals in removal proceedings
Detail-oriented, organized, independent, and quick
Excellent communication and advocacy skills
Licensed to practice law in New York or another state
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
This position is hybrid and includes a mix of in person and remote work

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience collaborating with community-based organizations
Familiarity with “crim-imm” issues
Experience conducting policy advocacy
Ability to speak an Asian language

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Senior Staff Attorney – Immigration