Supervising Staff Attorney (Research Associate)

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 86,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits for employees and

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University–Newark invites applications for a full-time Supervising Staff Attorney (Research Associate) with the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI) at the Immigrant Rights Clinic. The role will oversee an active docket of detained and non-detained clients and may supervise Fellows and interns.

Candidates must hold a JD and be admitted to a bar; experience representing immigrants before immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals is preferred.

Qualifications

• JD required.
• Experience representing immigrants before immigration courts, BIA, and federal courts.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active docket of detained and non-detained clients.
• Supervise DDDI Fellows and law student interns where applicable.
• Collaborate with Managing Attorney and staff to support the project.

Skills

Effective communication

Spanish fluency

Mentoring/ supervising

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission (any state)

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Supervising Staff Attorney (Research Associate)

Department: Law School Newark

Salary Details: $85,588 - $110,000 Grant Funded Offer and employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and/or program needs.

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary: The Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI) at the Immigrant Rights Clinic, Rutgers Law School in Newark, New Jersey, is seeking to hire a full-time Staff Attorney or Senior/Supervising Staff Attorney. DDDI is funded by the state of New Jersey to provide legal representation to detained and non-detained New Jersey residents facing removal before the Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and the federal courts. The Rutgers Immigrant Rights Clinic is one of the partners in this exciting and growing project, which aims to ensure that indigent immigrants in New Jersey have high-quality pro bono representation in their removal proceedings.

The Staff Attorney or Senior/Supervising Staff Attorney will work with the Managing Attorney and other staff in the DDDI project. They will maintain an active docket of detained and non-detained clients. The Staff Attorney or Senior/Supervising Staff Attorney may also supervise law graduates serving as DDDI Fellows and nonclinical law student interns, provide assistance with the project, and have other supervisory and mentoring responsibilities. The position will benefit from full-time administrative and paralegal support devoted exclusively to this project.

Position Status: Full Time

Posting Number: 26FA0830

Posting Open Date: 09/15/2026

Posting Close Date: 11/15/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

JD Required. A law degree;

• * Experience representing immigrants, preferably detained immigrants, before the immigration courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and the federal courts (including law school clinics and legal internships);
• * Membership in a bar of any state (NJ bar membership is not required, though it is a plus);

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written and oral communication skills; fluency in another language, particularly Spanish, strongly preferred;

• * Interest in and/or commitment to mentoring and supervising law graduates and students;
• * Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment;
• * Demonstrated time management, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills;
• * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Posting Details

Quick Link to Posting: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/280786

Campus: Rutgers University-Newark

Home Location Campus: Rutgers University-Newark

City: Newark

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement