Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Unit – Non-Detained Removal Defense Team The Legal Aid So[...]

Out Professionals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 99,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in New York City seeks a Supervising Attorney for its Immigration Law Unit, focusing on non-detained removal defense. The role involves overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring high-quality legal services for low-income New Yorkers. Ideal candidates will have strong immigration law knowledge and supervisory experience.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Leave

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• At least five years of immigration legal practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers.
• Ensure high standards of legal representation and client service.
• Participate in management discussions and strategic decision-making.

Skills

Research

Writing

Analytical

Organizational

Communication

Education

Admitted to the New York State Bar

Job description

Supervising Attorney, Immigration Law Unit – Non-Detained Removal Defense Team#25-113

New York, New York, United States

Deadline is 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed

Jun 25, 2025

Job Description

The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) in The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is a recognized leader in providing high-quality legal representation to non-citizens across all five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties. Our team of nearly 100 attorneys, social workers, and paralegals collaborates across six projects to deliver client-centered, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive legal services.

We are seeking a Supervising Attorney for the Non-Detained Removal Defense team. This role involves coordinating and supervising the Unit’s Immigrant Opportunity Initiatives (IOI) Program, which handles both affirmative and defensive immigration cases. The program offers free, comprehensive immigration services to low-income New Yorkers, including removal defense, asylum, and applications before USCIS, BIA, and family courts for SIJS motions.

The Supervising Attorney will oversee daily operations, work closely with leadership, and mentor staff. They will participate in management discussions and strategic decision-making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Immigration Legal Support and Oversight

• Supervise and mentor staff attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers working with non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings and affirmative immigration benefits applications.
• Ensure high standards of legal representation and client service.
• Analyze legal issues, develop strategies, and supervise their implementation.
• Provide training and mentorship.
• Promote teamwork and effective communication.
• Contribute to program development, funding, and reporting.
• Address client, community, and staff concerns.
• Provide legal consultation to staff.
• Engage in policy advocacy.
• Maintain a manageable caseload.

Team Development and Supervision

• Manage staff schedules, work assignments, and time-off requests.
• Participate in management meetings and trainings.
• Support equity and inclusion in supervision practices.
• Set performance standards, provide feedback, and address disciplinary issues.
• Identify and facilitate training opportunities.

Professional Development and Other Duties

• Engage in ongoing professional growth.
• Learn about systemic bias and promote inclusive practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Admitted to the New York State Bar.
• At least five years of immigration legal practice preferred.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong research, writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of immigration law, including criminal immigration and asylum law.
• Extensive experience litigating in immigration court and before the BIA.
• Commitment to public interest law and civil legal services.
• Supervisory and mentoring experience.
• Excellent advocacy skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective relationship management and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and independent work ethic.

Supervision Skills

• Ability to manage work assignments, resolve issues, and hold team members accountable.
• Effective communication and performance feedback skills.
• Knowledge of equity and inclusion practices in management.

Organizational Skills

• Commitment to the Society’s mission of justice.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality.

Physical and Work Environment

• Primarily sedentary work involving computer and video communication.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $99,444 – $163,507, based on experience and qualifications. The Society offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, paid leave, disability, and life insurance.

Employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other loan repayment programs. For more information, visit the linked websites.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. We do not sponsor visas, except for TN visas for Canadian and Mexican citizens.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via our career portal. Submit a combined PDF with a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. For questions, email [e-mail].

EEO STATEMENT

The Society is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics.

OUR DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

We strive to foster a work environment of respect, inclusivity, and continuous learning about systemic bias and oppression. All staff are expected to participate in these efforts.