Staff Attorney - Immigration Unit

Job Summary:

The Attorney will provide direct legal representation to low- and middle-income immigrants on all immigration issues including citizenship applications, waivers of the oath of citizenship for immigrants with a disability, applications for green cards, Asylum applications, DACA applications, adjustment of status applications, VAWA applications, relative petitions, consular processing in a case-by-case basis, work permits. The Attorney will also provide legal representation to individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court in Buffalo and Batavia, NY. They will also appear at interviews before UCIS in Buffalo; prepare other immigration applications as required. They will travel within New York State and the Finger Lakes Region. This position is based in the Legal Aid office in Rochester, NY

Representation includes, but not limited to:

• Draft and review all pleadings, motions, and papers;
  
• Conduct disclosure and investigation; file motions;
• Consult and negotiate with other counsel and, as appropriate, other parties;
• Represent clients at all appearances, hearings, and proceedings; and
• File notices of appeal, settle orders and records and represent clients in other post-dispositional proceedings before the court.

• Provide community outreach, education, and training to community partners.   
• Consult with and review the work of assigned support staff.   
• Transcribe complete, accurate, and detailed case notes in all case files through our case management system, LegalServer.
• Conduct legal research in each case as required.
• Maintain knowledge of legislative changes and current case law; attend Continuing Legal Education training.  

• Attend and participate in LASROC’s Immigration Law staff meetings and general LASROC meetings/gatherings.
• Provides legal support to other programs from time to time as may be necessary.

• Additional duties at the discretion of the Director, Immigration Law.

Other Requirements:

• Consistently operate office equipment such as a computer, photocopier, and fax machine.
• While performing these job responsibilities, the employee must maintain consistent communication with staff and clients and must be able to exchange clear and accurate information about the results and outcomes of their work.
  

• Able to step into a current caseload of 20-30 pending cases.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (Candidates who are admitted to any state bar; and Candidates who have received their JD, passed a state bar exam and are awaiting admission are also invited to apply)
• Prior Immigration or NYS Criminal or Federal/Administrative law experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English preferred.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation, and organization.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills.
• Strong negotiating ability.
• Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively and accurately.
• Respectful and empathetic consideration for clients.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment
• Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events. 

BENEFITS

• Hybrid work schedule
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
  
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
  • $3,000 salary differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Paid lunch hour
  
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution toward parking fees

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.