Attorney, Federal Immigration Litigation â Civil Rights and Law
Attorney, Federal Immigration Litigation â Civil Rights and Law
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$ 81000 - 157261
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks an attorney focused on federal immigration litigation to join the Civil Rights and Law Reform Practice.
BDS is a public defense office representing lowincome New Yorkers in criminal family immigration and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years BDS has worked in and out of court to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.
BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse complex and multifaceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services including for housing public benefits education and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver highquality legal services that serve the people we represent their families and communities.
The Civil Rights and Law Reform unit works across BDSs practice areas to identify target and reform barriers that impede access to justice for the people BDS represents. Through strategic federal and state litigation on behalf of both classes and individual people we challenge government action that harms the people we serve. In partnership with BDSs Policy & Advocacy team we seek to reform regulations policies and practices through administrative advocacy with federal state and local governmental agencies. We also work closely with our Jail Services team to advocate for systemic changes to protect the constitutional and human rights of the people incarcerated in New York City jails.
With regard to immigrant rights the Civil Rights and Law Reform unit works closely with BDSs Immigration Practice to fight unlawful detention and deportation; challenge excessive delay and wrongful denial of immigration benefits and Freedom of Information Act requests; and bring affirmative immigrationrelated civil challenges seeking strategic reform that benefits BDSs noncitizen clients.
This position will report to the Director of the Civil Rights and Law Reform Practice and will work in close collaboration with Immigration Practice attorneys and staff as well as with external partners.
Responsibilities
- Serve as primary counsel on federal district and circuit court litigation related to immigrant rights including habeas corpus petitions mandamus petitions and actions under the Administrative Procedure Act.
- Draft pleadings briefs motions and other legal documents and handle court dates.
- Manage the immigration federal litigation referral system.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop and litigate systemic class actions related to immigrant rights.
- Research and analyze legal theories to challenge constitutional statutory and regulatory violations.
- Investigate factual developments and trends regarding immigration enforcement and due process.
- Track federal notices of rulemaking and draft public comment responses on relevant issues.
- Draft amicus briefs on relevant issues.
- Plan and present litigation updates and training for BDS staff.
- Collaborate with pro bonoattorneys on certain federal court litigation.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Admission to the New York State Bar or ability to become admitted in New York.
- Additional admission to New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania Bars highly desirable.
- 3 years of experience in the field of immigration law and/or federal litigation. Additional legal experience welcome.
- Experience writing filing and arguing federal court litigation in support of immigrant rights including habeas petitions.
- Ability to understand and analyze complex legal issues and develop litigation strategies.
- Excellent written and oral advocacy skills including the ability to draft clear and persuasive legal documents.
- Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
- Comfortable working in a fastpaced environment and able to adapt to urgent situations.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and collegially as part of a team.
- Ability to collaborate and engage with BDS colleagues and external partners.
Position Information
This is an exempt salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am5pm.
BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a salary range of $81000$157261 depending on the applicants education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and familyfriendly policies BDS has generous vacation sick holiday family and medical leave policies.
Application Instructions
Click Apply Now to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. We recommend you submit your application by May 30 2025.
Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidatesof all identities expressions orientations disabilities and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason please contact the Managing Director HR Christina Wallace at cwallace @ .
Employment Type
Full-Time
