Temporary Staff Attorney – Immigration
New York, NY | Hybrid | $65–$75/Hour | Temporary
A nonprofit immigration legal services organization in New York City is seeking a Temporary Staff Attorney to provide direct legal representation to immigrant children and youth during a staff leave. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced immigration attorney who is passionate about working with vulnerable populations and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young immigrants.
The assignment is expected to run for approximately 4–5 months , beginning in November 2026.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide direct representation to immigrant children and youth in immigration and related proceedings.
- Manage an existing caseload, with a primary focus on removal defense .
- Handle matters involving asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and other forms of immigration relief .
- Prepare for and appear at Immigration Court and other relevant court proceedings.
- Conduct client meetings, legal screenings, and case assessments.
- Guide, mentor, and support pro bono attorneys handling immigration matters.
- Work collaboratively with attorneys and other staff in a fast-paced public interest environment.
- Maintain accurate case records and provide required case reporting and statistics.
- Work with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds using a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree and admission to a state bar required; New York Bar admission preferred .
- At least 2 years of immigration law experience .
- Strong experience with removal defense is highly preferred and is the most important area of experience for this position.
- Familiarity with asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) matters.
- Experience working with children, youth, young adults, or other vulnerable populations strongly preferred.
- Prior experience working in a nonprofit, public interest, or legal services environment is preferred.
- Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
- Fluency in Spanish is required , as the vast majority of the organization's clients are Spanish-speaking.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practices and experience working with vulnerable populations, or willingness to learn and incorporate trauma-informed practices into client representation.
- Commitment to public interest immigration work and advocating for immigrant children and youth.
- Ability to step into an existing caseload with minimal training and supervision .
Schedule & Work Arrangement
- Hybrid schedule: One day per week required in the New York City office.
- Additional in-person attendance may occasionally be necessary for client meetings, administrative responsibilities, or other case-related needs.
- Many meetings can be conducted remotely via Zoom.
- The organization generally does not handle detained immigration matters , so regular work at detention centers is not expected.
Compensation
$65–$75 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.
Why This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to join a mission-driven legal services organization providing critical representation to immigrant children and youth who may otherwise have to navigate complex immigration proceedings without legal counsel. The attorney will have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of vulnerable young people while working alongside experienced public interest attorneys and supporting a broader network of legal advocates.
Assignment: Approximately 4–5 months
Location: New York, NY
Schedule: Hybrid – 1 day/week in office
Compensation: $65–$75/hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.