Immigration Attorney – Domestic Violence Project

The Urban Justice Center Domestic Violence Project (DVP) is seeking an experienced immigration attorney to work within a legal-psychosocial framework with survivors of domestic violence to provide legal representation and advocacy on immigration matters including U and T visas, SIJS, adjustment of status, VAWA Self-Petitions, Battered Spouse Waivers, naturalization, and removal defense. The ideal candidate will be community-oriented with a proven ability to work with teammates and clients of diverse backgrounds.

About UJC DVP

The Urban Justice Center (UJC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of NYC’s most vulnerable citizens. The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) at the Urban Justice Center is seeking to hire an immigration attorney to work with and on behalf of victims of domestic violence. DVP’s mission is to help victims of domestic violence and their children live free of violence and abuse. We consider domestic violence in any type of relationship, regardless of gender or sexual identity, to be a human rights violation. Our work focuses on providing legal and social work services to promote justice and vigorously defend and protect victims’ human rights. To accomplish this, our attorneys, social workers, and advocates provide legal representation in affirmative and defensive immigration matters and NYC Family and Integrated Domestic Violence Courts, as well as providing mental health services, advocacy, case management, and on-going domestic violence education and outreach activities throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Job Responsibilities

The immigration staff attorney, who reports to the supervising immigration attorney, is responsible for
the following:
• Zealously representing non-citizen survivors in their immigration matters
• Outreach, education, and know-your-rights both remotely and throughout New York City
• Building and fostering collaborative relationships with other CBOs
• Training and oversight of interns and volunteers
• Mentorship of pro bono attorneys on immigration matters and relief
• Maintaining statistics and funding requirements as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Admission to US State or DC bar mandatory.
• Fluency in Spanish or another community language strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.
• Deep experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Comfortable with public speaking and highly motivated to cultivate new linkages.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Aptitude for intense and thorough negotiation and advocacy.
• Ability to respond sensitively to clients’ urgent needs.
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in
diverse situations.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and work as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Interest and proclivity in working within a multi-disciplinary framework.
• Able to travel between boroughs.
• Able to work evenings if necessary.

Seeking an attorney with 3-5 years of immigration law experience with starting salary of $66,890 – $69,845 commensurate with experience. An additional $1,000 for fluency in community language. Generous vacation, medical and dental benefits are provided. This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and references via email to Joy Ziegeweid, Esq., Supervising Immigration Attorney at jziegeweid@urbanjustice.org. Please write “IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY” in the subject heading. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.