Summary: The Special Projects Supervising Attorney is one of several attorneys in the Division’s pro bono program staff reporting to the Special Projects Director. Each Supervising Attorney administers and coordinates various pro bono program functions, including participation at community legal clinics; intake and assessment of cases for placement; engagement in matching process; and substantive mentorship and technical assistance for all cases under their supervision. The Supervising Attorney will be available to train, mentor, advise and supervise pro bono volunteer advocates including firm attorneys, general counsel, solo practitioners, law students, fellows, etc.; will supervise internal staff attorneys; and will maintain an internal caseload secondary to and dependent on supervision needs. The Supervising Attorney will also keep staff updated about changes in laws, procedures, and policies relevant to immigrants, and will assist in developing legal strategies to address emerging issues. Also includes, as appropriate and necessary, supervision of departmental legal staff, directed advocacy, program development, program representation with public and private stakeholders, limited teaching/speaking.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Supervise and coordinate pro bono volunteer advocates through Division programming, including: fellowships, internships, clinic programs, and individual placements. Supervision includes: advising/training pro bono volunteer advocates on substantive family and immigration law and procedures; ensuring quality of legal work; ensuring case outcomes are met; and assisting with required reports and requests for information about program and funding proposals.
- Supervises and conducts client intake; evaluates matters for purposes of issue spotting and placement; supervises placement of matters with pro bono volunteer advocates; provides ongoing supervision to pro bono volunteer advocate depending on the nature of issue and on the client; develops and updates materials for legal trainings, case placements, etc.; and manages all case placements on referral net platform;
- Maintain a sensible appropriate caseload, in light of and secondary to supervisory duties, that will include screening, advising, and representing individuals: a) facing removal proceedings or other immigration-related federal litigation matters, including, but not limited to: criminal or security grounds of inadmissibility/deportability, cancellation of removal, asylum, Board of immigration Appeals and federal appeals practice, motion practice, etc., and b) in more specialized and complex immigration applications including, but not limited to: special juvenile immigrant petitions, VA WA petitions, U and T visa applications, deferred action, inadmissibility waivers, etc.;
- Develop responses and strategies in response to emerging issues; meet regularly with pro bono program Leadership to provide progress reports;
- Monitor the work of pro bono volunteers through the pro bono platform, LawLogix case management, site visits, periodic file review, etc.;
- Develop and provide in-house and outreach trainings, presentations and workshops, as directed;
- Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining monthly statistics and case reports, and reporting to partners and stakeholders;
- As directed, represent CCCS at local committees, coalitions, and collaboratives; serve as a primary liaison with local elected and law enforcement representatives, with the aim of enhancing CCCS presence and voice.
- Maintain and update electronic files in LawLogix, as well as physical case files;
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
The position will require the lawyer to perform case work at CCCS’ main immigration office, other sites, and in immigration and family courts. The position requires willingness to travel throughout the Archdiocese. 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 25% 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 workstation, 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
Education and/or experience required:
- Juris Doctor.
- Five (5) years of post-JD experience in immigration law and supervisory experience.
- Admission to the New York State bar.
Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:
- Bilingual in English and a 2nd language, a plus, but not required.
- Specialization in both substantive and/or regional immigrant areas.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and computer skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability and experience working with diverse individuals and communities.
COVID-19 Adjustment: Position will be onboarded virtually. Potential to orient to the physical office space in person depending on CDC and agency requirements at the time of onboarding. Updates to protocol are implemented on a regular basis. Catholic Charities and Catholic Charities Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.