Staff Attorney

Department: Immigration Legal Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Starting Date: December, 2024

Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 based on experience

Reporting: Reports to the Legal Director

The WNY Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies is a 501(C)(3) organization and was organized to allow agencies to collaborate and provide various services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Western New York. We come together to coordinate services, to identify gaps, to share common problems and to assist farmworkers by taking joint action on mutual concerns according to the consensus of the group.

Summary:

The Staff Attorney will play a key role in providing high-quality immigration legal services to migrants, farmworkers, and other vulnerable populations. This individual will offer direct legal representation, conduct legal screenings, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to empower clients and advance their rights. The Staff Attorney will also contribute to outreach and education initiatives aimed at increasing access to legal resources and fostering community awareness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct legal representation to clients in a variety of immigration matters, including but not limited to asylum, adjustment of status, family-based petitions, removal defense, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), U and T visas, and naturalization.
• Manage a diverse caseload while ensuring timely and accurate documentation and reporting.
• Prepare and submit legal filings, motions, and appeals with USCIS, EOIR, and other relevant agencies.
• Conduct in-depth legal screenings and consultations to determine eligibility for relief.
• Collaborate with clients to develop case strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals.
• Work closely with social services staff to connect clients with additional resources, including housing, healthcare, and trauma counseling.
• Advocate for clients before immigration authorities, courts, and other administrative bodies.
• Participate in Know Your Rights workshops, legal clinics, and other community outreach events.
• Develop and deliver presentations and educational materials on immigration law and policy updates.
• Actively participates in the WNY Coalition monthly meetings and foster partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to grant reporting and program evaluations by maintaining accurate records and providing data as required.
• Stay informed about changes in immigration law and policy and advise on program adjustments accordingly.
• Support efforts to expand the program’s reach and impact through innovative approaches and collaborations.
• Cultivates and maintains collaborative working relationships with other agencies and Organizations.
• Collaborates with the Outreach team as needed to develop content for newsletter articles, social media, annual report, and other publications as well as live and recorded video and audio content.
• Performs related tasks consistent with skills and abilities and general responsibilities as assigned by the Legal Director and the Executive Director.
• Other tasks as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES: The Staff Attorney will have excellent writing and spoken abilities, be flexible, able to multitask, and be organized. The Staff will also have a sincere desire to work with low income immigrants, trafficking survivors, their families, and other stakeholder agencies.
• EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: JD or LLM degree and admission to practice law with at least two years experience in immigration law. Fluency in Spanish is required.
• COMPUTER SKILLS: Must have prior knowledge of Google Workspace programs (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc.) and legal research software. Familiar with basic office technology.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is regularly required to work on the computer which may require a lot of “screen time.” The employee is also regularly required to sit for long periods of time, or to travel by car both locally and within all of New York State to meet with stakeholders, meet potential clients, represent clients, to attend training, or as needed. Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply: Complete our application online at WNYCFSA EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

The WNY Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please contact us at admin@wnycfsa.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,500.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Bar (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Rochester, NY 14614 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rochester, NY 14614: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $80,000