Staff Attorney: Immigration Program - Removal Defense

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking full-time Staff Attorneys to join its Immigration Program, in their Batavia, NY office. This office handles work, under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. This is a public defender model program where we represent all detained people who are facing deportation and are not otherwise represented.

Duties/Responsibilities:

handle individual caseload and represent clients before DOJ-EOIR, DHS, and BIA defending detained low-income immigrants who are subject to removal for a variety of reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays

work collaboratively with Paralegals and Social Workers and act as an additional resource to them

grant/data reporting

special projects/community outreach and education as directed

Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office. Valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required.

other duties may be assigned

Requirements/Skills - Required:

admitted to practice law (or pending bar admission)

organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while also being able to track and report

required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner

ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors while also being able to work

independently

strong oral and written advocacy skills

legal research software proficiency

the desire to want a career in litigation defending detained low-income immigrants

Requirements/Skills - Preferred:

fluency in Spanish or French

one year experience in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings

Those without previous experience but possessing the desire and/or language skills are encouraged to apply.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary range: $69,725 (Year 1) to $92,106.36 (Year 9) based on years of relevant work experience

Yearly raises according to published wage/step scales

Employer-paid benefits including 90% paid health insurance premiums, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance,

Pension contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program

Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan

Loan Forgiveness: ECBAVLP is an eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan

Forgiveness program (DALF).

A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance
18 paid holidays including the time between December 24 and January 1
Accrue 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
Accrue 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
10 sick days each year (5 are frontloaded, 5 are accrued)
Flexible schedules
Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
Dedication to diversity and inclusion

VLP is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.

For information on VLP, see www.ecbavlp.com

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Staff Attorney: Immigration Program – Removal Defense