Staff Attorney - Anti-Trafficking Program

Safe Horizon; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 67,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

Medical, Dental, Vision

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Gym Reimbursement

Job summary

A nonprofit organization for crime victims is seeking a legal advocate in New York City to provide immigration legal services for survivors of human trafficking. The ideal candidate will possess a J.D. degree and have 2-3 years of experience in immigration law. Responsibilities include conducting client interviews, preparing legal applications, and providing advocacy within the criminal justice system. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is required. A competitive salary with benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Must have 2-3 years of experience providing direct legal services in immigration, human trafficking, or related field.
• Familiarity with resources for immigrant communities in NYC preferred.
• Experience working in social justice and/or human rights fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with clients to assess immigration relief needs.
• Prepare T and U Visa applications and other legal documents.
• Provide advocacy related to the criminal justice system.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Creative and critical thinking skills

Persuasive and effective public speaking

Problem-solving and prioritizing

Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school

Job description

Responsibilities

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• Coach and guide staff in their client practice that reflects these approaches.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with clients to assess potential immigration relief, including the eligibility for T‑visas, U‑visas, Continued Presence, and other relief forms for human trafficking survivors.
• Seek immigration remedies on behalf of clients. Prepare T and U Visa applications, Adjustment of Status applications, consular processing, and other appropriate forms of relief.
• Provide information and options to clients related to the criminal justice system.
• Accompany client to court appearances and interviews with law‑enforcement agents related to trafficking cases, and provide other criminal‑justice advocacy as needed.
• Draft all legal documents and make court appearances with clients when necessary.
• Assist clients with a holistic range of services, including advocacy on non‑legal issues and referrals for additional non‑immigration related legal needs.
• Coordinate with internal program social workers, external social providers, and law‑enforcement agencies.
• Maintain clients’ case files and internal data logs.
• Maintain monthly statistical reports and case narratives documenting representation, advocacy and referrals, including data provided to funders.
• Conduct legal anti‑trafficking presentations and trainings to community‑based organizations, other legal service providers, government agencies, and law‑enforcement, in collaboration with the Training and Outreach Manager.
• Develop and maintain relationships with individuals, organizations and government agencies within immigration and human‑trafficking advocacy communities locally and nationally.
• Actively participate in bi‑weekly staff meetings with a small and dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Must have a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to a state bar. Current law students will not be considered for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey legal concepts to lay people.
• Ability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, visa applications, pleadings and correspondence clearly and concisely.
• Creative with critical thinking skills.
• Persuasive and effective public speaker.
• Demonstrated communication skills for a variety of audiences—including client populations, colleagues, law‑enforcement, and lawmakers.
• Problem‑solving, prioritizing, time‑management, team‑building and organizational skills.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with various individuals, organizations and agencies.
• Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish required; additional language fluency preferred.

Experience

• 2‑3 years of direct legal services experience in immigration, human trafficking and/or related fields.
• Familiarity with legal services, resources and procedures available to immigrant communities in New York City preferred.
• Experience in social justice and/or human rights fields and familiarity with underlying social issues impacting survivors of human trafficking, violent crime, domestic violence, torture, and/or persecution.
• Prior experience organizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges preferred.
• Prior experience working with immigrant or crime‑victim populations preferred.
• Prior experience in the field of human trafficking preferred.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement to be negotiated with local 2325 of the UAW.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Technology Statement

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.

Hiring Range: $64,000.00 - $67,500.00 Annually

Full‑time Hours: 35 Hours per week

Full‑time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center