Legal Assistant - Finger Lakes Region

Summary

epresentation. They therefore are often forced to turn to service providers who may not have the necessary expertise in immigration law. To address this issue, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) will expand the availability of immigration lawyers around the state offering free and expert technical legal assistance legal clinics, direct representation, and legal seminars and workshops.

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the ONA Legal Assistant will assist in carrying out ONA grant objectives and will work to advance the mission of Journey’s End Refugee Services. The ONA Legal Assistant will provide outreach, referrals, and assistance with direct immigration legal services, and will assist ONA Legal Counsels in the organization of legal clinics, legal consultation days, and community information sessions across the counties of the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes region includes Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Yates, and Wayne Counties. This position will primarily operate out of Rochester, NY.

Responsibilities

  • Assist ONA Legal Counsels in providing direct immigration legal representation to the immigrant populations of the Finger Lakes.
  • Assist ONA Legal Counsels in the organization and facilitation of legal consultation days, legal clinics, and community information sessions at the ONA Opportunity Center and other partner agencies across the Finger Lakes.
  • Assist ONA Legal Counsels to develop, sustain, and grow meaningful partnerships with local community groups to organize and host events.
  • Assist ONA Legal Counsels in fielding and confirming receipt of immigration law questions from the ONA Opportunity Center, other immigrant service providers, and individuals in need of immigration assistance in the region.
  • Assist in the development and distribution of a list of resources for referrals on programs and services available to new Americans.
  • Assist in the collection, organization, and submission of program data and documentation for grant reporting.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Have previous relevant office experience (including filing, letter-drafting, data entry, completion of organizational tasks in a timely manner, etc.)
  • Be able and willing to travel extensively to counties throughout the Finger Lakes
  • Be able and willing to travel to Journey’s End’s office in Buffalo, NY for mandatory staff training and events
  • Possess ability to be part of a dedicated team of talented individuals
  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ the best qualified personnel without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other reason prohibited by law.

Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to jobs@jersbuffalo.Org. Please include job title and location in subject of email.

***incomplete applications will not be considered. ***

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

ILSP Program Coordinator

Position

Legal Assistant - Finger Lakes Region

Organization

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc.

Job Location

Buffalo, NY
United States

Office for New Americans (ONA) Staff Attorney

Summary

New Americans in New York State lack options for free or low cost legal services to assist them with immigration related legal issues and representation. They therefore are often forced to turn to service providers who may not have the necessary expertise in immigration law. To address this issue, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) will expand the availability of immigration lawyers around the state offering free and expert technical legal assistance legal clinics, direct representation, and legal seminars and workshops.New Americans in New York State lack options for free or low cost legal services to assist them with immigration related legal issues and representation. They therefore are often forced to turn to service providers who may not have the necessary expertise in immigration law. To address this issue, the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) will expand the availability of immigration lawyers around the state offering free and expert technical legal assistance legal clinics, direct representation, and legal seminars and workshops.

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the ONA Staff Attorney will assist in carrying out ONA grant objectives and will work to advance the mission of Journey’s End Refugee Services. ONA Staff Attorney will provide outreach, direct immigration legal services, naturalization application review, legal clinics, legal consultation days, community information sessions, Know Your Rights presentations, referrals, and technical legal assistance to ONA Opportunity Centers and other organizations across the counties of the Southern Tier. The Southern Tier region includes Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. This position will primarily operate out of the Southern Tier region of NYS.

The ONA Staff Attorney must exemplify Journey’s End’s core values in their work. These values include intercultural responsiveness, integrity, person-centered, empowerment, and exemplary service.

Responsibilities

  • Provide direct affirmative and defensive immigration legal representation to the immigrant populations of the Southern Tier.
  • Conduct review of naturalization application completion process of Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited ONA Opportunity Centers in the Southern Tier.
  • Develop, sustain, and grow meaningful partnerships with local community groups to organize and host events.
  • Organize and attend legal consultation days, legal clinics, community information sessions, and Know Your Rights presentations at ONA Opportunity Centers and partner agencies across the Southern Tier.
  • Respond to immigration law questions from ONA Opportunity Centers, other immigrant service providers, and individuals in need of immigration assistance in the region.
  • Develop and distribute a list of resources for referrals on programs and services available to new Americans.
  • Conduct widespread community outreach and coordinate with other ONA projects, including participation in monthly New York State Department of State/ONA webinars.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Be admitted and remain in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state in the country or U.S. territory
  • Be able and willing to travel extensively to all counties throughout the Southern Tier
  • Be able and willing to travel to Buffalo, NY when necessary as part of client representation or as required by supervisor
  • Be able and willing to travel to Journey’s End’s office in Buffalo, NY for mandatory staff training and events
  • Possess ability to be part of a dedicated team of talented individuals
  • Possess strong communication (written and oral) and advocacy skills

In addition to the skills above, the Asylum Staff Attorney should be creative and adaptive in meeting the needs of clients in today’s political and COVID19 environment, and should excel in his/her role as a problem solver as s/he addresses the protection needs of the immigrants we serve.

This is a full time and salaried position. Benefits and retirement package are included. Candidates that have three or more years of experience as an attorney, two or more years of immigration law experience, and the ability to communicate in a language other than English are preferred.

Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to jobs@jersbuffalo.Org. Please include job title and location in subject of email.

***incomplete applications will not be considered. ***

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

Supervising Attorney

Position

Office for New Americans (ONA) Staff Attorney

Organization

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc.

Job Location

Buffalo, NY
United States

Staff Attorney

Summary

Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney will assist in the development of the Immigration and Legal Services Program that offers full-scale holistic immigration representation to low-income refugees, asylees and other vulnerable immigrant populations. They will provide outreach, direct immigration legal services, pro se assistance, community information sessions, Know Your Rights presentations, and referrals to the refugee and immigrant populations of Western New York. This position will primarily operate out of Buffalo, NY.

The Staff Attorney must exemplify Journey’s End’s core values in their work. These values include intercultural responsiveness, integrity, person-centered, empowerment, and exemplary service.

Responsibilities

  • Provide direct affirmative and defensive immigration legal representation to the immigrant populations of Western New York, including but not limited to asylum, removal defense, adjustment of status, complex naturalization, family reunification, family-based immigration, Temporary Protected Status, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), employment authorization (work permits), humanitarian parole, and appeals.
  • Provide Know Your Rights trainings and other workshops throughout Western New York on relevant immigration topics determined by the immigrant community.
  • Develop, sustain, and grow meaningful partnerships with local community groups to organize, host, and conduct outreach for Know Your Rights trainings and other workshops.
  • Provide referrals to appropriate internal agency programs or partner agencies to meet law related and other needs of refugee and immigrant clients.
  • Conduct widespread community outreach, coordinate with partner agencies, and participate in all mandatory trainings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Be admitted and remain in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state in the country or U.S. territory
  • Be able and willing to travel to all counties throughout Western New York
  • Possess ability to be part of a dynamic team of talented and dedicated individuals
  • Possess strong written, oral communication, and advocacy skills

In addition to the skills above, the Asylum Staff Attorney should be creative and adaptive in meeting the needs of clients in today’s political and COVID19 environment, and should excel in his/her role as a problem solver as s/he addresses the protection needs of the immigrants we serve.

This is a full time and salaried position. Benefits and retirement package are included in the total compensation package. Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ the best qualified personnel without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, or any other reason prohibited by law.

Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to jobs@jersbuffalo.Org. Please include job title and location in subject of email.

***incomplete applications will not be considered. ***

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

Supervising Attorney

Position

Staff Attorney

Organization

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc.

Job Location

Buffalo, NY
United States

Director - Legal Services

Overview

The Luminus Network for New Americans, formerly FIRN, is a DOJ recognized nonprofit that empowers immigrants and refugees by providing programs and direct services that help them access community resources and opportunities. The Director - Legal Services is responsible for direct management of the legal services program, all staff in the department and a portfolio of cases that includes representation of cases before USCIS, EOIR, and the BIA. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

The Director - Legal Services will contribute to Luminus’s growing legal unit with responsibility for day-to-day management of legal programs including intake and case selection process, case management, documentation, fee collection, and grant writing. The Director - Legal Services will maintain immigration and relationship software, report on client outcomes, and monitor staff caseloads; will represent Luminus at legal conferences, provide public education, and serve as a liaison to other service providers; represents clients before EOIR and USCIS; provides orientation and supervision to Luminus staff, DOJ accredited representatives, and legal interns. The Director - Legal Services is a member of the Luminus leadership team.

The Director will be expected to maintain outstanding client relations, have a strong working knowledge of immigration law and related issues, periodically educate the local community about immigrationrelated matters and Luminus’s services, and consult with the CEO and other staff counterparts as needed. Additionally, the Director will be expected to maintain an excellent working relationship with Luminus’s entire staff, collaborating with staff outside the legal team as needed to provide holistic support to Luminus’s clientele.

Duties include (approx. 40%)

  • Implement policies and procedures for case management including intake procedures, case selection and assignment, quality control of legal work, and case file organization
  • Maintain a billing and fee collection system and serve as liaison with finance functions.
  • Collaborate with other Luminus programs to ensure clients have access to additional non-legal services • Research and identify grant opportunities and write grant proposals and reports
  • Maintain and strengthen software systems and monitor the status of electronic case files
  • Provide monthly reports on program outcomes, caseloads, and finances
  • Review cases for quality control assuring adequate documentation and legal sufficiency
  • Supervise and provide training opportunities for all legal staff

Relevant Direct Services (approx. 60%)

  • Screen individuals for relief and determine client eligibility or ineligibility for immigration benefits and counsel accordingly.
  • Offer case representation when appropriate, in accordance with the mission and priorities of the organization. Provide appropriate referrals when case representation is not possible.
  • Provide internal referrals to clients who present needs not related to immigration legal services.
  • Effectively represent and advocate for clients before USCIS, EOIR for Naturalization, TPS, Family Petitions, Adjustment of Status, DACA, U-Visas, T-visas and any other immigration service available that supports the mission of Luminus.
  • Maintain all required certifications and/or licenses. 
  • Attend information and training sessions to remain up to date on current immigration law.
  • Network and build relationships with other community-based legal service providers in the area to support LUMINUS’s advocacy efforts.
  • Assist with implementation of funding from Montgomery County (MD) by engaging in Know Your Rights Presentations; representing some clients in removal; and networking and collaborating with Montgomery County government agencies and non-profits.
  • Sustain organizational status with the DOJ by assuring that the organization and its pertinent staff apply/re-apply as necessary for both organization recognition and legal staff re-accreditation.

In addition to the skills above, the Director - Legal Services should be creative and adaptive in meeting the needs of clients in today’s political and COVID19 environment, excelling in his/her role as a problem solver as he/she addresses the protection needs of the immigrants we serve.

Education and Experience:

  • 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law, either as an attorney or fully accredited DOJ representative, including representation in immigration court required. This position does not require status as an immigration attorney though this is preferred. If an attorney, must possess a Law Degree from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in at least one state. Within one year of hire, required to pass the certification exam for admission to the Bar of Maryland.
  • At least 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and database management.
  • Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Multi-lingual candidates preferred, with a preference for Spanish speakers
  • Must be able to travel to other locations for court, training and other business.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $90,000 per annum and includes a benefits package with health, dental, disability and life insurance, and a retirement plan. If you share Luminus’s vision and possess the necessary qualifications, please send a cover letter and a resume to mmitchell@beluminus.org.

Luminus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Position

Director - Legal Services

Organization

The Luminus Network for New Americans

Job Location

Columbia, MD
United States

Asylum Staff Attorney

Overview

The Luminus Network for New Americans is a DOJ recognized nonprofit that empowers immigrants and refugees by providing programs and direct services that help them access community resources and opportunities. The Asylum Staff Attorney will be responsible for direct management of our partnership with Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE) where s/he will provide immigration legal services for asylum seekers and other forced migrants.

Background

The Asylum Staff Attorney will assist 40 forced migrants to access immigration relief through low and pro representation. Services will be provided out of AWE's offices in Northeast Baltimore, and will include a determination of appropriate legal relief and accompaniment to immigration court hearings and asylum interviews The position will start by March 1, 2021.

The Asylum Staff Attorney will be expected to maintain outstanding relations with AWE, possess a strong knowledge of immigration laws and issues, educate the local community about immigration-related matters, and occasionally conduct outreach.

The Asylum Staff Attorney will be supervised by the Luminus Managing Attorney and will be expected to participate in check-ins and staff meetings. This is a full time, non-exempt position.

Summary

The Attorney provides legal advice and representation in accord with the best practice of the profession. The position assists the Director of Immigration Legal Services with all internal and external reporting and with the supervision of assigned interns/volunteers.

Responsibilities

  • Establish pro and low bono legal services to indigent asylum seekers and other forced migrants in collaboration with AWE
  • In partnership with AWE social work team, identify asylum seekers and other forced migrants and their children with compelling legal relief, without the ability to secure representation on their own, and with urgent filing deadlines.
  • Ensure access to competent and timely immigration legal services to the most vulnerable asylum seekers and other forced migrants seeking asylum and other forms of relief in immigration court
  • Ensure access to competent and timely immigration legal services to the most vulnerable asylum seekers and other forced migrants seeking asylum and other forms of relief in immigration court
  • In collaboration with AWE, develop and monitor intake procedures, case acceptance policies, and caseload targets and limits
  • Ensure program data is collected consistently, managed appropriately and reported in a timely manner
  • Follow-up on cases and update clients in a timely manner
  • Compile reports as directed by Managing Attorney, particularly for donors
  • Maintain certifications and/or licenses and attend ongoing trainings to retain knowledge of immigration law.
  • Network and build relationships with other community based legal service providers in the area to support advocacy efforts

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s and law degree from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in at least one state required
  • 3-5 years of experience practicing immigration law, including representation in immigration court
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and database management
  • Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Multi-lingual candidates preferred, with a preference for Spanish speakers
  • Deep commitment to working with forced migrants

In addition to the skills above, the Asylum Staff Attorney should be creative and adaptive in meeting the needs of clients in today’s political and COVID19 environment, and should excel in his/her role as a problem solver as s/he addresses the protection needs of the immigrants we serve.

Compensation & Benefits

Luminus offers a competitive salary at $70,000 along with a benefits package including health, dental, disability and life insurance, generous leave, and a retirement plan. If you share Luminus’ vision and possess the necessary qualifications, please send a cover letter and a resume to director@beluminus.org.

Luminus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Position

Asylum Staff Attorney

Organization

The Luminus Network for New Americans

Job Location

Columbia, MD
United States

Immigration Staff Attorney - Migration and Refugee Services

Program Statement

MRS resettles approximately 450 refugees annually from countries including Bhutan, Burma, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. We respect the dignity of each person and provide a supportive environment where each individual and culture is celebrated. Building upon the courage and strength of these newcomers, we seek to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

What You Will Do:

  • Represent client in family based and humanitarian immigration legal matters in front of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), the U.S. State Department, and the Executive Office of Immigration Review.
  • Travel to detention centers to represent clients in detained removal proceedings.
  • Advocate for clients who face a variety of challenges, including limited English proficiency, individuals who are victims of torture, trauma, and abuse, individuals with a mental health diagnosis, and immigrant children in removal proceedings.

Travel Required

  • Yes. Travel required throughout the service area and to detention facilities.

Behaviors Preferred

  • Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
  • Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
  • Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

Motivations Preferred

  • Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
  • Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
  • Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
  • Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Education Required

  • Doctorate or better in Law.

Experience Required

  • 2 years: Immigration Law

Licenses & Certifications Preferred

  • Attorney At Law

 

Apply

 

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Exempt

Position

Immigration Staff Attorney - Migration and Refugee Services

Organization

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland's Migration and Refugee Services

Job Location

Cleveland, OH
United States

Immigration Pro-Bono Services Coordinator

Summary

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland's Migration and Refugee Services is seeking compassionate, mission driven, and highly skilled law professionals to join our team as an Immigration Pro-Bono Services Coordinator. In this role you will promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities, Migration and Refugee Services by ensuring individuals receive high quality legal representation through pro bono programs as they seek immigration relief in the United States.

Program Statement

MRS resettles approximately 450 refugees annually from countries including Bhutan, Burma, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Eritrea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. We respect the dignity of each person and provide a supportive environment where each individual and culture is celebrated. Building upon the courage and strength of these newcomers, we seek to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

What You Will Do:

  • Provide immigration legal services by serving as attorney of record for immigration cases as needed.
  • Place immigration cases with pro bono attorneys, prepare transmittal letters and case packets.
  • Mentor pro bono attorneys, provide legal advice and assistance, and prepare sample forms, motions, and briefs.
  • Follow-up with pro bono attorneys and mentors on status of cases assigned.
  • Recruit pro bono attorneys to represent eligible clients seek immigration relief, and maintain relationships with law firm pro bono coordinators, AILA, and bar associations.

Location:

  • This position is located in Columbus, OH.

Travel Required

  • Yes. Local travel throughout the state. Qualifications

Behaviors Preferred

  • Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
  • Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
  • Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

Motivations Preferred

  • Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
  • Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
  • Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Education Required

  • Masters or better in Law or related field.

Apply

 

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Exempt

Position

Immigration Pro-Bono Services Coordinator

Organization

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland's Migration and Refugee Services

Job Location

Cleveland, OH
United States

Estefania Chavez Higgins

Estefania is a Supervising Attorney at Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services in D.C. Estefania provides direct legal representation in a wide range of immigration matters, helping to make a difference in the lives of her clients! She also provides mentorship to pro bono attorneys and conducts legal trainings and community presentations. Estefania received her juris doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before joining Catholic Charities, Estefania served as a staff attorney, and, later, the interim director for the legal department at CARECEN DC.

Jeanne Sanon

Jeanne is the longest-serving immigration counselor at CMS. Throughout her time at CMS, she has helped reunite countless families. Jeanne is a compassionate and committed advocate for all of her clients. She has been invaluable in our work with and outreach to the Haitian community in New York.