Staff Attorney

 

Under a contract with the New York State Office of New Americans (ONA), the Legal Counsel provides direct legal services to residents of Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties and support to ONA Opportunity Centers in that service region. This position is specific to the ONA contract referenced herein.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 
1. Advise, counsel and represent individuals in general immigrant and non-immigrant status matters, including, but not limited to: family reunification (adjustment of status), visa extension and change of status, religious worker, naturalization, green card extension, travel/advance parole, consular processing, special adjustment relief (NACARA, HRIFA, Cuban Adjustment Act), etc.
2. Advise, counsel and represent individuals in more specialized and complex immigration applications including, but not limited to: special juvenile immigrant petition, VAWA petitions, U and T visa applications, deferred action, inadmissibility waivers, etc.
3. Advise, counsel and represent individuals facing removal proceedings, including, but not limited to: cancellation of removal, asylum, bond hearings, post-order relief, etc.
4. Provide support to ONA Opportunity Centers in Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, including bi-monthly consultation days, responses to urgent referrals for consult and responses to immigration law  questions.
5. Provide trainings, community information sessions and Know-Your-Rights workshops throughout the service region; participate in legal clinics.
6. Maintain and update case files and case management database.
7. Compile monthly statistics and reports.
8. Other duties as assigned. 

 

 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 
The position will require the lawyer to perform services throughout Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, including at the ONA Opportunity Centers in the service region, as well as at CCCS offices in the area and in immigration and family courts. The lawyer may also have an office at CCCS’ Bronx Center. The position requires willingness to travel throughout the service region. Days and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may be required to meet court and/or program deadlines
or client needs.

Working conditions and physical demands required: 
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Travel at least 20% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets, occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Remain stationary at a work station, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 75% of the time.
• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.
• Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.

 

Qualifications

1. Juris Doctor.
2. Admission to a bar of any state and/or the District of Columbia; admission to the New York bar preferred.
1. Bilingual in English and another language.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
3. Excellent organizational and computer skills.
4. Experience giving public presentations to diverse communities and stakeholders.
5. Ability and experience working with diverse individuals and communities.
6. Valid driver's license.