Staff Attorney: Immigration Program
The
Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a
full-time attorney to join its Immigration Program, in Buffalo, NY. Immigration
work handled by our Buffalo Office includes representation of immigrant victims
of domestic violence and human trafficking, refugees and asylum seekers,
unaccompanied minors, and other low income individuals in need of immigration
assistance.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- handle
immigration matters for immigrant victims of crime, including domestic violence
and human trafficking
- handle
a variety of immigration work primarily before the Buffalo Immigration Court
and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including removal defense,
applications for asylum, permanent residence, special immigrant juvenile
status, and US citizenship
- train/supervise
student interns and community volunteers
- some
regional travel will be required between our Buffalo office and Batavia office,
and occasionally to different locations in the eight counties of Western New
York, as needed
- variety
of other duties and projects
Requirements/Skills - Required:
- admitted
to practice law in any state
- organizational
skills to track and report required data about the work in a timely and
accurate manner
- ability
to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors
- the
means and willingness to travel (a driver's license and regular access to a
vehicle are required)
- strong
oral and written advocacy skills
- willingness
to work independently while also taking direction and operating as part of a
team
- organizational
ability required to juggle many cases efficiently
- flexibility
to handle other tasks which the attorney may be called upon to handle at VLP,
such as community outreach and education
Requirements/Skills - Preferred:
- 1
year of experience in immigration law
- fluency
in Spanish
- demonstrated
commitment to representing low income immigrants
Those
without previous experience, but possessing the desire and language skills are
encouraged to apply. Candidates possessing Spanish language fluency who are
pending admission to a state bar in June 2019 are also encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY:
Please send a resume, a
brief writing sample (no more than ten pages), a cover letter clearly
explaining your interest and qualifications. Include contact information for 3
references and send your materials to: Emma Buckthal, Supervising Attorney, ECBA
Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. at ebuckthal@ecbavlp.com. For information on VLP, see www.ecbavlp.com.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
VLP
is an equal opportunity employer. Salary depends upon
experience. Excellent benefits including fully paid health insurance, a
cafeteria plan for dependent care and transportation costs, long term
disability insurance, life insurance, 403b plan, Simple Employee Pension Plan,
and generous leave time. Employee paid dental insurance is also available. The
work atmosphere is congenial, respectful and flexible.
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