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African Communities Together · 2 days ago

Immigration Staff Attorney

New York, NY

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

African Communities Together (ACT) is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for our families here in the U.S. and worldwide. The Staff Attorney will provide a range of legal services to ACT members and African immigrant communities in New York City, including petitions for alien relatives, naturalization, adjustment of status and more.

Civic & Social Organization

Responsibilities

Work closely with NY-based legal staff to conduct in-depth immigration legal screenings and provide application assistance to clients eligible for relief, including adjustments of status, TPS, naturalization, green card renewals, family-based visa petitions, and removal of conditions for eligible lawful permanent residents

Draft, prepare, and submit immigration petitions and applications

Manage active caseload, ensuring timely updates and accurate records of client interactions and case progress

Retain individuals for representation before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) and possibly the Executive Office of Immigration Review (“EOIR”)

Supervise administrative staff, including paralegals and interns

Work with the New York Legal Director to develop funding proposals and grant reports for legal services as well as ensure completion of grant deliverables for both government and private grants

Refer prospective and/or current clients to appropriate partners or service organizations where necessary

Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights presentations, citizenship, and legal clinics

Participate in team and department meetings

Stay informed on changes in immigration laws and policies by attending relevant training and professional development opportunities related to immigration law

Develop relationships with service organizations and other stakeholders who work with African immigrants

Qualification

Juris Doctorate (JD)Immigration law experienceLegal research skillsLegal writing skillsCultural competenceMicrosoft Office SuiteGoogle SuiteFluency in FrenchInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsLeadership skills

Required

Juris Doctorate (JD) degree required, must be a licensed attorney admitted to the Bar (preferably in New York), active and in good standing

At least 2 years of experience with immigration law, preferably representing low-income immigrants

Knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure

Must reside in or around New York City

Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills

Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently and in a collaborative community organization environment, including accountability to goals, managing across teams and prioritizing workload

Excellent interpersonal skills. You can build strong working relationships with members and external partners, organizations, and consultants

Excellent organizational skills. Able to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and attention to detail

Cultural competence and significant experience with African immigrant communities or within the social justice sector

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours, as needed

Alignment with ACT's mission and values

Preferred

Experience with affirmative and defensive applications for humanitarian relief (particularly asylum), family-based applications, and naturalization applications is highly desirable

Fluency in either French or a widely spoken African language highly desired

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and other common business software