IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, a nonprofit civil legal services program, is seeking an experienced immigration attorney to provide representation in immigration matters to low income clients in 16 counties in northeastern New York. The position is located in Albany, NY, the state capital, and a lively family friendly city with a reasonable cost of living, excellent quality of life, and easy access to major metropolitan areas as well as year-round outdoor opportunities.

Our mission is to fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society which is inclusive and equitable for all. We transform lives, build community and empower people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequities.

We seek an attorney who will be dedicated to our mission and will seek justice and fairness for the immigrant community. We are skilled, creative and compassionate advocates combining a passion to serve with the skills and will to address both individual and systemic injustice. Our office is a collegial and supportive workplace, encouraging and supporting staff development. We take pride in providing holistic services to our clients with a wide range of programs and substantive law expertise.

We are an integral part of the legal and human service community and expect this attorney to be deeply involved in the network of immigration attorneys practicing in upstate New York.

Responsibilities: The attorney will advise and represent eligible clients who reside in our 16 county service area in certain immigration matters (family based petitions, applications for LPR status, VAWA, U and T visa relief, fiancé visas, limited removal defense, naturalization and citizenship) before the USCIS located in Latham, NY, and before the Immigration Court in Buffalo and other civil legal matters where immigration status is at issue, such as public benefits. The attorney’s representation will only be as permitted by the Legal Services Corporation regulations, however, the attorney will refer ineligible clients to other attorneys in upstate New York in accordance with referral protocols. The attorney will also be expected to maintain ongoing relationships with LASNNY’s community partners and coordinate with other community groups serving immigrants, dv and crime victims to enhance program activities, conduct outreach and trainings, and to work with the supervising attorney and the other attorneys who make up the Upstate NY Immigration Law Project (UNYILP). Travel throughout the 16-county service area is required, including to the Immigration Courts in Buffalo and New York City on a limited basis, and occasionally to UNYILP meetings in Rochester or Syracuse. Occasional evening or weekend work is required. Will also be responsible for related grant reporting.

Qualifications: Must have five years of immigration law experience. Must be a member of the New York State Bar. Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff, including people with limited English proficiency and diverse cultural backgrounds, and work independently and collaboratively with community partners, with a high level of initiative. Must be analytical, intelligent, motivated, hardworking, careful, reliable, have good judgment, and a demonstrated commitment to the low-income community and immigrants. Proficiency in Spanish preferred. Must have a car and a valid, clean driver’s license. Must be able to work well as part of a team and should possess good computer skills.

Salary: $ 57,561 to 63,927 DOE. Excellent benefits.

Closing Date: July 28, 2019

Any applications that do not have a cover letter, resume and writing sample will not be considered.

To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org OR

  1) Complete the Application linked here, or the mobile-friendly application linked here

  2) Complete the Demographic Survey linked here

We are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, the elderly, LGBTQ persons, Protected Veterans and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.