Managing Attorney

Title: Managing Attorney

Team: Programs and Membership

Reports to: Legal Director

Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt (40 hours/ week)

Salary: $130,000 

Location: Position is based in New York City and will require regular travel within New York State, including the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Western New York, Fingerlakes, New York City, and other parts of New York State.

Overview of the Organization

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, Members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York’s diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people’s lives, and to strengthen our state. 

Our organizational values: Inclusive & Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.

Position Overview

The Managing Attorney will oversee a network of legal services across several regions of New York State, with a focus on newly arrived immigrant populations. The Managing Attorney, along with the Legal Director, will direct and execute on providing limited scope affirmative and defensive services to clients. The Managing Attorney will directly supervise three full-time staff and  a cohort of part-time contract attorneys.  The Managing Attorney will report to the Legal Director, and will work closely with internal teams as well as external partners, including legal service providers and community-based organizations.

Limited scope legal services are delivered via legal clinics (in-person, remote, or hybrid) and remote 1:1 legal assistance. The Managing Attorney will ensure that the legal services provided through this program are high quality. The Managing Attorney will be expected to step in at any point in the process, from drafting procedures and documents, to completing screenings, or to filing applications and motions as necessary.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Coordination & Supervision of Legal Services 

• In consultation with the Legal Director, design, coordinate, and supervise legal clinics and direct legal services across New York State, utilizing regional and remote legal support from attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff, both internal and external to the NYIC.
• Supervise the provision of direct limited scope legal services to clients. These services may include, but are not limited to, 1) applications for asylum, Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), 2) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) filings such as Motions to Reopen, Change Venue, Change Hearing Format, 3) screenings for eligibility, and 4) general legal advice.
• Conduct final reviews of applications for relief, particularly those being drafted by full-time Paralegals and Legal Navigators as well as part-time contract attorneys. 
• Serve as a legal resource and answer questions from partner organizations, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Exercise legal judgment and advise clients in a manner that is ethically sound, trauma-informed, and adheres to best practices.  
• Draft, edit, and/or review training materials for legal volunteers, legal clinic guides, resources for legal services providers, and community-facing informational documents.

Data Collection 

• Oversee and coordinate data collection, tracking, and reporting to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of legal service deliverables and emerging trends.
• Collaborate regularly with data management personnel to design insightful and useful systems and reports of legal service provision, needs, and forecasting.
• Ensure that all are adhering to protocols aimed at protecting personal identifying information and data privacy. If applicable, suggest policies and procedures to enhance this goal.

Other Responsibilities 

• Engage in strategic discussions involving litigation efforts, special projects, and rapid response frameworks. In consultation with the Legal Director, design and supervise the execution of systems and plans to follow through on these strategic decisions.
• Support training efforts and serve as a trainer on relevant topics in immigration law where appropriate.
• Liaise with legal and non-legal service providers, external partners, and other stakeholders.
• May occasionally move or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 

Qualifications:

• Licensed attorney admitted to practice in the United States; admission to New York preferred but not required.
• Four (4) to seven (7) years of relevant experience representing and working with diverse immigrant communities in affirmative and/or defensive immigration postures.
• At least two (2) years, preferably four (4) or more years of relevant direct supervision experience, preferably of other attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives.
• Experience with successfully developing and conducting strategic collaboration and events with diverse organizations and programs; experience conducting outreach in immigrant communities for legal services preferred. 
• Strong skills in community organizing and community advocacy, specifically with underserved and diverse communities.
• Attention to detail, particularly in supervising and preparing applications and documents to be filed with various government agencies.
• Ability to facilitate cohesion among immigration legal staff, including attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff.
• Adaptability to changing work environments, processes, and emerging needs.
• Experience with fast-paced environments and juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Bilingual English- and Spanish-language speaker required.
• Strong computer skills preferred, including proficiency in Legal Server, Salesforce, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Canva, Microsoft Office Suite.

Important facts to know about this opportunity:

This position will involve extensive in-person work in the field; when not in the field, the position may allow for 1 remote day and any remaining days in the office.

Salary: $130,000/year**

In addition to a competitive salary, NYIC offers a full benefit plan, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan. 

**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter through Breezy: 

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status.