Staff Attorney, Immigration Advocacy Project

1-20 yrs required

Full-time

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney, Immigration Advocacy Project
Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience representing minors in removal proceedings
Job #78_2023
Organization: Queens Legal Services
Department: Immigration Advocacy Project
Salary Range: $74,881 - $135,637 (based on years' experience)

Queens Legal Services (QLS) is seeking a passionate and experienced Staff Attorney to join our Immigration Advocacy Project (IAP) in Jamaica, Queens. As part of our vibrant community-based civil legal advocacy organization, the Staff Attorney will work towards equal access to justice for all low-income residents of Queens.

About the Organization:

Founded in 1967, QLS is committed to providing free legal counseling, representation, and referrals to low-income individuals and families in Queens. Our focus areas include housing, immigration, public and disability benefits, domestic violence prevention, consumer and homeowner protections, and access to education and employment rights. We are part of Legal Services NYC (LSNYC), the largest free civil legal services provider in the United States. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are central to our work, and we strive to create a workplace that reflects these values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Conduct intake and screening, provide advice and consultation, and offer brief services to potential clients
- Represent immigrants in affirmative and defensive cases filed with federal administrative bodies and courts
- Collaborate with staff attorneys, paralegals, and social workers to provide holistic services to clients
- Maintain data in the case management system and ensure compliance with grant requirements
- Represent QLS at meetings and community outreach and education events
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and community-based organizations
- Mentor interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys as needed

Experience and Qualifications:

- Admitted to the New York State Bar
- Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with immigrant, communities of color, and low-income communities
- At least 2-3 years of experience representing minors in removal proceedings
- Experience with humanitarian and family-based immigration matters
- Knowledge of trauma survivors and the intersection of criminal and immigration law
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is preferred
- Experience with LegalServer or other case management systems is a plus

How to Apply:

To apply, email a cover letter, resume, names of three references, and two recent writing samples to with “Immigration Attorney” in the subject line. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, with excellent benefits including health and dental insurance, a pre-tax 403(b) pension plan, and generous leave time.

QLS is an equal-opportunity employer committed to racial, gender, and economic justice in our work and workplace. Our staff are members of the LSSA/NOLSW UAW Local 2320, and we welcome and encourage applications from people of color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people over the age of 40.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:

All employees are required to continue receiving and maintaining up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have medical or religious reasons.

Salary Information:

- 1-10 years of experience: $74,881 - $98,355
- 11-20 years of experience: $100,605 - $118,773
- 21+ years of experience: $124,254 - $135,637

Not specified

Excellent health and dental insurance, employer contribution to pre-tax 403(b) pension plan, generous leave time

Proficiency in a second language, specifically Spanish, is preferred but not required

Admission to the New York State Bar

Email a cover letter, resume, names of three references, and two recent writing samples to

Legal