Deputy Attorney-in-Charge, Immigration Law Unit

The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) in The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice is a recognized leader in providing high-quality representation to non-citizens in all five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties. Our staff of almost 100 attorneys, social workers, and paralegals across six different projects and initiatives works collaboratively to provide client-centered, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive legal services.

The ILU seeks a Deputy Attorney-in-Charge for the Immigrant Opportunities Initiative, Youth Project, and Domestic Violence Immigration Project, to work closely with the Attorney-in-Charge and the Deputy Attorney-in-Charge of the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project and Federal Project, be involved in day-to-day operations, and work closely with supervising attorneys to train, supervise, and mentor staff. The Deputy Attorneys-in-Charge will participate in Civil Practice-wide management discussions and decision making and will assist in maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities. The Deputy Attorneys-in-Charge will also coordinate city-wide efforts to improve immigration legal services with other non-profit community-based organizations. In addition, the Deputy Attorneys-in-Charge will assist in working closely with private and government funders to ensure the viability of all the programs within the Unit. The Deputy Attorneys-in-Charge will also oversee Special Projects that may arise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support and direction to the ILU managers under their purview in their direct supervision of staff attorneys, paralegals, social workers, interns, externs, and volunteers
• Monitor and maintain a high standard of representation and client service
• Support the Attorney-in-Charge in leading The Legal Aid Society in immigration matters before the community and with key stakeholders, including but not limited to funders, community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
• Collaborate with practitioners throughout the country to develop and participate in national litigation and law reform projects
• Analyze emerging legal issues and develop and supervise the implementation of responsive legal strategies
• Assist with the development of the projects within their purview, and assist with the fundraising, grant reporting, and related administrative tasks
• Foster and encourage teamwork and communication
• Mentor and develop skills and knowledge of ILU managers
• Reinforce and maintain staff accountability
• Assist in supporting staff well-being and retention
• Coordinate and implement professional development training for staff
• Respond to client, community, and staff concerns
• Provide oversight of pro bono initiatives within the ILU
• Work creatively and collaboratively with the ILU to carry out the mission of the Unit, and to address and devise solutions to structural issues within the Unit as they arise
• Develop and maintain community support and relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts
• Represent the Civil Practice and The Legal Aid Society in the community
• Conduct community education, training and outreach and promote the work of the office and the Civil Practice
• Other duties as assigned