Staff Attorney (Appellate Litigation)

Project Rousseau; New York (NY); On-site; USD 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contribution to an Individual

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICH)

Job summary

Project Rousseau is seeking a Staff Attorney (Appellate Immigration Litigation) to represent immigrant youth and families in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and petitions for review before the federal courts of appeals. This in-person, NY-based role requires strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.

You will review records, develop appellate strategy, draft persuasive briefs, coordinate with clients, and monitor changes in immigration practice to serve vulnerable communities.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active New York State Bar in good standing.
• Experience with BIA appeals or federal appellate litigation preferred.
• Experience representing immigrant youth or families is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent immigrant youth and families in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and petitions for review before the federal courts of appeals.
• Review immigration court and BIA decisions and records, identify legal and factual issues, and develop appellate strategy.
• Draft and file BIA appeals, motions to reopen or reconsider, petitions for review, appellate briefs, motions for stays of removal, and supporting documents.
• Manage appellate cases from initial review through decision, including tracking filing deadlines and coordinating record preparation.
• Prepare clients for interviews or proceedings and explain appellate processes, options, and developments in clear, accessible language.
• Work with clients and their families to gather declarations, records, and other evidence relevant to appellate claims and related proceedings.
• Monitor developments in immigration law and appellate practice and assess their implications for clients’ cases.
• Maintain accurate case records and participate in case consultations, training, and other team activities.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Oral advocacy

Collaboration

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active New York State Bar

Job description

Employment type Full-time employee Department Legal Services Work location 1560 Broadway Compensation $72,500 – $95,000 annually
Final compensation will depend on the location and level at which the candidate is hired

About this job

Important: This is an in‑person position in New York.

About Project Rousseau

Project Rousseau is a nonprofit organization that empowers young people in communities with the greatest need to excel in higher education. Many of the young people we serve are homeless and/or asylum seekers. Project Rousseau works at the forefront of the humanitarian migrant crisis in New York City.

Position Overview

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we help young people navigate the immigration system and pursue safety, stability, and opportunity. We believe every young person deserves the chance to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. Our team provides high‑quality legal representation and support as young people seek to understand their rights and build their futures.

Project Rousseau seeks a Staff Attorney (Appellate Immigration Litigation) to represent immigrant youth and families in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and petitions for review (PFRs) before the federal courts of appeals. The attorney will review immigration court and BIA decisions, identify appellate issues, develop case strategy, and prepare persuasive briefs and motions. They may also handle emergency requests for stays of removal and other time‑sensitive appellate matters.

The successful candidate will have exceptionally strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills and a commitment to representing people affected by the immigration system. Experience with BIA appeals, petitions for review, federal appellate litigation, or immigration removal proceedings is preferred. The attorney will develop appellate records and arguments and coordinate appellate litigation with each client’s underlying immigration case. The attorney will also monitor changes in immigration law and practice and help the team respond to emerging appellate issues.

Responsibilities include:

• Represent immigrant youth and families in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and petitions for review before the federal courts of appeals.
• Review immigration court and BIA decisions and records, identify legal and factual issues, and develop appellate strategy.
• Draft and file BIA appeals, motions to reopen or reconsider, petitions for review, appellate briefs, motions for stays of removal, and supporting documents.
• Manage appellate cases from initial review through decision, including tracking filing deadlines and coordinating record preparation.
• Prepare clients for interviews or proceedings and explain appellate processes, options, and developments in clear, accessible language.
• Work with clients and their families to gather declarations, records, and other evidence relevant to appellate claims and related proceedings.
• Monitor developments in immigration law and appellate practice and assess their implications for clients’ cases.
• Maintain accurate case records and participate in case consultations, training, and other team activities.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and licensing

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing with the New York State Bar.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience handling immigration appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), petitions for review in federal courts of appeals, or comparable appellate litigation.
• Exceptionally strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to review an administrative record and develop persuasive appellate arguments.
• Experience representing immigrant youth, families, or people in removal proceedings is strongly preferred.

Skills and attributes

• Strong interest in a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of young people and their families.
• Strong legal writing, oral advocacy, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management, record‑keeping, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with young people, colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.

Values and commitment

• Deep commitment to social justice and serving immigrant communities.
• 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, New York, NY 10036. This is an in‑person role, with an expectation that the attorney will work on‑site at least four days per week.

Salary range: $72,500–$95,000 per year.

Benefits: Employer contribution to an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).

EEO Statement

Project Rousseau is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, height or weight, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, New York State, or New York City law. Project Rousseau provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, for pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, for religious observance and practice, and as otherwise required by law.