Immigrant Justice Attorney – Public Defender Impact

The Legal Aid Society, Inc.; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society, Immigrant Justice Team seeks an attorney to join the Criminal Defense Practice in New York City. One opening is for the Queens CDP office; another is TBD.

The role centers on advising clients about immigration consequences within criminal cases and providing client-centered, holistic representation. The attorney will work with a defense team, train staff and community members on criminal-immigration issues, and may handle immigration matters including removal defense.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a criminal defense attorney, immigration attorney, or Crim-Imm Specialist attorney (or a combination of these). Ideally at least one year Crim-Imm experience.
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, oral advocacy, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team and manage challenging, varied, and complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Be part of the defense team representing non-citizen clients in criminal court. Advocate on behalf of clients in state criminal proceedings and related matters involving the application of federal, New York State, and New York City law.
• Consult with and advise non-citizen clients and criminal defense attorneys on immigration consequences and mitigate where possible.
• Train and educate LAS staff and community members on criminal-immigration issues and emergent trends.
• Engage in policy advocacy on behalf of clients.
• Depending on interest and availability, represent Criminal Defense Practice clients on immigration matters including removal defense and affirmative applications.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This position may require evening and weekend hours.

Skills

Crim-Imm experience

Research skills

Writing skills

Oral advocacy

Organizational skills

Language skills (additional language)

Job description

The Legal Aid Society, Immigrant Justice Team seeks an attorney to join the Criminal Defense Practice in New York City. One opening is for the Queens CDP office; another is TBD.

The role centers on advising clients about immigration consequences within criminal cases and providing client-centered, holistic representation. The attorney will work with a defense team, train staff and community members on criminal-immigration issues, and may handle immigration matters including removal defense.