Supervising Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

Min 5 yrs required

Full-time

No

As a Supervising Attorney in the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative at the American Friends Service Committee, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants facing removal proceedings. This is a full-time position with a specific term through June 30, 2023, with the possibility of renewal upon receipt of funding. The salary for this position starts at $70,000 USD per year and includes comprehensive medical and hospitalization benefits, life and accident insurance, and participation in a defined benefit pension plan. The Supervising Attorney will work in Newark, NJ, and the application deadline is rolling, so early submissions are encouraged.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that promotes peace and social justice through nonviolent activism and advocacy. The Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI) is a publicly-funded project within AFSC that provides legal representation and advocacy for immigrants in removal proceedings. In this role, the Supervising Attorney will be responsible for direct legal representation, mentoring and supervising staff attorneys and legal assistants, and participating in advocacy activities at the state and national levels.

To be eligible for this position, you must be admitted to a state bar and have a minimum of five years' experience with immigration law and procedures, with a preference for removal defense experience. Strong legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles are essential for this role. Bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish or English/French is highly desirable, as is experience with public speaking.

As a Supervising Attorney, your responsibilities will include providing legal representation to low-income, unrepresented immigrant detainees, training and supervising staff attorneys and legal assistants, managing caseloads and maintaining client files, participating in meetings with government representatives and service providers, and conducting presentations on immigration issues. You may also be required to respond to media inquiries and monitor conditions and access at detention centers and jails if representing detained clients.

To be successful in this role, you must have excellent communication skills, be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and well-organized, and have the ability to work effectively with diverse staff, clients, and the public. Additionally, you must be committed to Quaker values and the principles of AFSC, including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual. Familiarity with software applications and the ability to work some evenings and weekends and travel out of state are also required.

At AFSC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We offer comprehensive medical and hospitalization benefits, life and accident insurance, participation in a defined benefit pension plan, and other fringe benefits. We also have a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our staff and communities and require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and adhere to safety protocols in the workplace.

If you are passionate about immigrant rights and have the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in our mission to promote peace and social justice through nonviolent activism and advocacy at the American Friends Service Committee.

Not specified

Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French highly desirable

Legal Representation, Mentoring, Supervision, Advocacy, Case Management, Communication, Bilingualism, Public Speaking, Self-Motivation, Organization, Prioritization, Software Applications, Diversity and Inclusion, Union Negotiations

Admission to a state bar

To be considered, please attach a cover letter and resume to the online application and answer the application questions.

Qualification and Experience Admission to a state bar

Legal