Staff Attorney (Federal Litigation)

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

Benefits offered by this job

ICHRA employer contribution

Job summary

Project Rousseau seeks a Staff Attorney (Federal Immigration Litigation) to represent immigrant youth and families in federal court and related proceedings.

This full-time, on-site role is based in Manhattan, New York, with a focus on challenging unlawful detention and responding to evolving immigration enforcement practices.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Willingness to be admitted to SDNY and other jurisdictions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Represent immigrant youth and families in federal litigation challenging detention.
• Investigate detention/removal circumstances and prepare pleadings and evidentiary materials.
• Litigate third-country removal issues and respond to evolving enforcement practices.
• Appear in federal court; coordinate with immigration proceedings and counsel.
• Explain processes and developments to clients in clear language and maintain case records.

Skills

Legal research

Federal litigation

Oral advocacy

Multilingual communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Litigation case management software

Job description

Employment type Full-time employee Department Legal Services Work location 1560 Broadway Compensation $72,500 – $95,000 annually

About this job

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

Staff Attorney (Federal Litigation)

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 (Federal Immigration Litigation) to represent immigrant youth and families in federal court and related immigration proceedings. This is a full‑time, on‑site position based in Manhattan, New York. The attorney will develop and litigate cases challenging unlawful or prolonged immigration detention. The role will also address emerging issues such as third‑country removals and other changes in immigration enforcement and policy.

The successful candidate will have exceptionally strong legal research and writing skills, and a commitment to representing people affected by the immigration system. Experience in federal litigation is preferred. The attorney will work closely with clients and their families to investigate detention circumstances, build the factual and legal record, prepare urgent filings, and coordinate federal litigation with each client’s immigration case. The attorney will also handle related matters, including bond proceedings, appeals, and removal defense. They will monitor new developments and help Project Rousseau respond with timely litigation strategies.

Responsibilities include:

• Represent immigrant youth and families in federal litigation challenging unlawful or prolonged immigration detention, including preparing and litigating habeas corpus petitions and seeking emergency relief when appropriate.
• Investigate detention and removal circumstances, identify legal claims, develop case strategy, and prepare complaints, petitions, motions, declarations, briefs, and supporting evidence.
• Litigate issues involving third‑country removals and other emerging immigration enforcement practices, and develop timely strategies in response to changes in law, policy, and government practice.
• Appear in federal court, communicate with opposing counsel and court personnel, and manage cases through resolution, including appeals when appropriate.
• Coordinate federal litigation with clients’ immigration court proceedings and other applications for relief, working with immigration counsel as needed and providing representation in immigration court as appropriate.
• Explain legal processes, options, and case developments to clients and their families in clear, accessible language.
• Maintain accurate case records, meet filing deadlines, and manage a litigation caseload effectively.
• Monitor emerging developments in immigration detention, removal, and federal litigation; share relevant updates and strategies with the legal team.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and licensing

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license and good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Be admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as soon as possible, and be willing to explore admission in other jurisdictions as appropriate to support the organization’s litigation needs.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in federal litigation, including legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, and managing cases in federal district court.
• Experience with habeas corpus, immigration detention, or civil rights litigation 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.
• Fluency in Spanish, French, or Pulaar is strongly preferred.

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.