Staff Attorney - Anti-Trafficking Program

About This Role

The Staff Attorney will provide direct legal services to human trafficking survivors, assessing eligibility for various immigration protections and other legal needs, while integrating a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.

Responsibilities

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with clients to assess potential immigration relief and other legal needs, including eligibility for T-visas, U-visas, Continued Presence, and other forms of relief for human trafficking survivors.
• Seek immigration remedies on behalf of clients, preparing T & U Visa applications, Adjustment of Status applications, consular processing, and other appropriate forms of relief.
• Provide information and options to clients related to the criminal justice system.
• Accompany clients to court appearances and interviews with law enforcement agents related to trafficking cases, and provide other criminal justice advocacy.
• Draft all legal documents and make court appearances with clients when necessary.
• Assist clients with a holistic range of services, including advocacy on non-legal issues and referrals for additional non-immigration related legal needs.
• Coordinate with internal program social workers, external social providers, and law enforcement agencies.
• Maintain clients’ case files and all internal data logs.
• Maintain monthly statistical reports and case narratives documenting case representation, provision of legal advocacy, and referrals.
• Conduct legal anti-trafficking presentations and trainings to community-based organizations, other legal service providers, government agencies, and law enforcement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with individuals, organizations, and government agencies within the immigration and human trafficking advocacy communities locally and nationally.
• Actively participate in bi-weekly staff meetings.

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school
• Admitted to a state bar
• 2-3 years of experience providing direct legal services in immigration, human trafficking and/or related field
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability to convey legal concepts to lay people
• Ability to write routine reports, court documents, case notes, visa applications, pleadings, and correspondence clearly and effectively
• Creative and critical thinking skills
• Persuasive and effective public speaking skills
• Demonstrated appropriate communications skills for diverse audiences
• Problem-solving, prioritizing, time management, team-building and organizational skills
• Strong networking skills
• Experience working in social justice and/or human rights fields
• Familiarity with underlying social issues impacting survivors of human trafficking, violent crime, domestic violence, torture, and/or flight from persecution
• Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish

Qualifications

• Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school
• 2-3 years of experience providing direct legal services in immigration, human trafficking and/or related field.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with legal services, resources, and procedures available to immigrant communities in New York City
• Prior experience organizing and executing group trainings and information exchanges
• Prior experience working with immigrant populations and/or crime victim populations
• Prior experience in the field of human trafficking
• Additional language fluency

Benefits