ECBA
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROJECT (VLP)
IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEYS FOR REMOVAL DEFENSE
We are seeking
to fill full-time positions based in the Western New York State for the
Immigration Program of the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers
Project (VLP).
We are looking
for two (2) Staff Attorneys for our Batavia, NY office to join our team of
attorneys handling work under the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project
(NYIFUP) contract at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, and
some WNY county jails which hold immigrant women. This is a public defender
model program where we represent all low income detained people that are facing
deportation and are not otherwise represented.
The ideal
candidates will be admitted to practice law, have at least one year experience
in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings, and want a career
in litigation defending low-income immigrants detained at the Buffalo Federal
Detention Facility in Batavia who are subject to removal for a variety of
reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays. The
ability to speak both Spanish and English fluently is very highly preferred. In
the alternative, fluency in French is also very desirable. Those without
previous experience, but possessing the desire and language skills are
encouraged to apply. If the potential candidate possesses two or more years of
immigration litigation experience but does not speak a language other than
English, s/he is also encouraged to apply.
Also required
for all positions are strong organizational skills to track and report required
data about the work in a timely and accurate manner; an ability to work
cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors; the means and willingness to
travel between the Buffalo office and the Batavia office, and occasionally to
different locations in the eight counties of Western New York, as needed (a
driver�s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required); strong oral
and written advocacy skills; a willingness to work independently while also
taking direction and operating as part of a team; the organizational ability
required to juggle many cases efficiently; and the flexibility to handle other
tasks which the attorney may be called upon to handle at VLP, such as community
outreach and education.
Please send a
resume, a cover letter clearly explaining your interest and qualifications.
Include contact information for 3 references and send your materials to: Brenda
Cisneros, Supervising Attorney, ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. at
bcisneros@ecbavlp.com
There is an
immediate need. Please apply ASAP. Applications will be reviewed as received.
For information
on VLP, see www.ecbavlp.com.
VLP is an equal
opportunity employer. Salary depends upon experience. Excellent benefits
including fully paid health insurance, a cafeteria plan for dependent care and
transportation costs, long term disability insurance, life insurance, 403b
plan, Simple Employee Pension Plan, and generous leave time. Employee paid
dental insurance is also available. The work atmosphere is congenial,
respectful and flexible. |