Staff Attorney - Lower Hudson Valley - Catholic Charities Community Services

Description

Summary

Through the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division, Catholic Charities Community Services is a leading provider of quality immigration legal services in New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley. The Lower Hudson Valley Staff Attorney is one of several staff attorneys in the Division carrying a caseload consisting of complex immigration and removal defense cases, serving clients throughout the Lower Hudson Valley, i.e., Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rochester, Sullivan, Westchester and Ulster Counties. The purpose and objective of the job is to assist in establishing immigration services in the area, and to respond holistically to community needs. Also includes, as appropriate and necessary, directed advocacy, program development, program representation with public and private stakeholders, limited teaching/speaking.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following

1. 
   1. Participation in legal clinics throughout the Archdiocese, screening, advising, and representing individuals, detained and non-detained, facing removal proceedings or other immigration-related litigation matters, including, but not limited to: cancellation of removal, asylum, bond hearings, SIJ, BIA appeals (and federal appeals under supervision and upon approval), etc.
   2. Counseling and representing individuals in more specialized and complex immigration applications including, but not limited to: SIJ petitions, VAWA petitions, U and T visa applications, deferred action, inadmissibility waivers, etc.
   3. Advice and counsel to migration counselors in general immigrant and non-immigrant status matters, including, but not limited to: family reunification (adjustment of status), visa extension and change of status, religious worker, naturalization, green card extension, travel/advance parole, special adjustment relief (NACARA, HRIFA, Cuban Adjustment Act), etc.
   4. Representation, as needed, in affirmative applications such as naturalization, adjustment of status, DACA, TPS, and other deferred action applications as prepared by non-attorney staff (migration counselors)
   5. Maintain and update electronic records in LawLogix, excel and physical case files. Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
   6. Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining monthly statistics and case reports, and reporting to partners and stakeholders.
   7. As directed by direct supervisor, managing attorneys and CCCS Directors, implementing plans for community outreach and education on legal (and related non-legal) issues and matters responsive to community needs and interest in the LHV, with the aim of enhancing CCCS presence and voice.
   8. Developing and providing trainings, presentations, Know-Your-Rights and workshops throughout the LHV.
   9. Other duties as assigned     

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
The position is based in one of two offices in Newburgh or Poughkeepsie, with travel throughout the LHV, and in the immigration, federal and family courts, as well as occasional work at the office at 80 Maiden Lane in NYC. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deliverables or client needs.
Working conditions and physical demands required:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Travel at least 25% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Remain stationary at a work station, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 70% of the time.
• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.
• Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.

Qualifications
1. Juris Doctor.
2. Some experience in immigration law, representing clients in affirmative benefits applications to USCIS or in removal defense, strongly preferred.
3. Admission to NY Bar; will consider law graduates and attorneys working towards admission to the NY Bar.
1. Bilingual in English and a 2nd language preferred, but not required.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Excellent organizational and computer skills.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly
collaborative team environment.
5. Strong time management skills.
6. Driver’s license and ability/willingness to travel throughout the LHV required; LHV residency a plus.