Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ICHRA healthcare reimbursement

Job summary

Project Rousseau seeks a Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense) for in-person work in Manhattan, NY. The role focuses on representing immigrant youth and families in asylum matters within Immigration Court and with USCIS, with a 35-hour work week.

Qualifications include a JD, an active U.S. bar license, and 1+ year in immigration law (prefer 2+). Salary ranges from $72,500 to $95,000 annually, with ICHRA healthcare benefits and a strong commitment to social justice.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and a valid bar license in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 1 year of immigration law experience, including removal defense and asylum.
• Strong communication and organizational abilities, with trauma-informed practices.
• Commitment to serving immigrant youth and families with discretion and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in removal proceedings, including asylum and protections from removal.
• Prepare and conduct hearings with direct/cross-examination and advocacy.
• Develop case strategy, pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Coordinate with legal team to gather declarations and evidence.
• Prepare clients for interviews and testimony with trauma-informed practices.
• Represent before immigration courts and USCIS; ensure timely filings.
• Maintain accurate case records and manage caseload efficiently.
• Collaborate with colleagues to connect clients with legal and nonlegal support.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluency in Spanish

Fluency in French

Fluency in Pulaar

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active bar license in any U.S. jurisdiction

Job description

Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense)

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

Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense)

About Project Rousseau:

Project Rousseau is a non-profit organization that empowers youth in communities in the greatest need to excel in higher education. The majority of the young people served by Project Rousseau are homeless and/or asylum seekers; Project Rousseau is at the forefront of the humanitarian migrant crisis in New York City.

Position Overview

Through Project Rousseau’s Immigration Legal Services, we provide a pathway to hope and opportunity. We believe that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to pursue their educational goals with dignity and without fear. We empower young people to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, understand their rights, and pursue pathways to legal status and stability. We aim to ensure that young people have access to high-quality legal representation and support as they seek to build their futures.

Project Rousseau seeks a Staff Attorney (Asylum and Removal Defense) to represent immigrant youth and families in a range of immigration matters, with an emphasis on applications for asylum. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Manhattan, New York.

The successful candidate will be comfortable preparing for and conducting individual merits hearings, including developing case strategy, preparing clients and witnesses to testify, and presenting legal arguments before the Immigration Judge. The attorney will primarily represent non-detained community members, though representation of detained clients may be required as needs arise.

The attorney will also handle master calendar hearings and other court appearances, as well as affirmative asylum and adjustment of status matters. Depending on organizational needs, the attorney may also represent clients in related matters, including SIJS proceedings in Family Court and cancellation of removal cases.

Responsibilities include:

Represent clients in removal proceedings, including asylum and other forms of protection from removal.

Prepare and conduct individual merits hearings, including direct examination, cross-examination, evidentiary submissions, and oral argument.

Develop case strategy and prepare pleadings, applications, motions, and briefs.

Coordinate with supporting legal team to develop client’s declarations, and supporting evidentiary documentation.

Prepare clients and witnesses for interviews, hearings, and testimony, using trauma-informed and age-appropriate practices.

Represent clients before the immigration courts and USCIS, and coordinate with other agencies and service providers as needed.

Maintain accurate case records, meet filing deadlines, and manage a caseload effectively.

Work collaboratively with Project Rousseau colleagues to connect clients with appropriate legal and nonlegal support.

Explain legal processes, options, and developments to clients in a clear and accessible manner.

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 bar license in any U.S. jurisdiction.

Experience:

At least 1 year of demonstrated experience in immigration law, encompassing removal defense and asylum

Preferred: 2+ years of experience in immigration law or a related field.

Skills and Attributes:

Strong interest in adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of young people and their families.

Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and a knack for innovative thinking.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Excellent organizational skills, including time management, record-keeping, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines independently.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with young people, management, and program staff.

Preferred: Fluency in Spanish, French or Pulaar.

Values and Commitment:

Deep commitment to social justice and a passion for serving immigrant communities.

Demonstrated 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, NY, 10036. Please note this is an in-person role. Candidates should be comfortable with being in-person at least 4 days per week.

Salary Range: $72,500 to $95,000/year

Benefits: Employer contribution to ICHRA (Healthcare Reimbursement)

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.