Join Sanctuary for Families as a Staff Attorney for Immigration, providing vital legal representation to survivors of gender-based violence seeking asylum. Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering immigrant survivors and ensuring they receive comprehensive legal support.
Key Responsibilities
Represent survivors of gender-based violence and sex trafficking in their immigration cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and appellate courts
Intake and select asylum and related cases for representation and placement with pro bono counsel and law school clinics, as appropriate
Conduct screening interviews with immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to assess eligibility for immigration status under United States immigration law with a focus on asylum
Advocate with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and/or engage in motion practice to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration Appeals, Administrative Appeals Office, and/or federal courts for the best possible outcome in clients’ cases
Represent Sanctuary for Families at community events and on advocacy committees and task forces, as appropriate
Advocate on behalf of clients with city and state agencies and institutions on issues of eligibility for housing, education, and public benefits
Advocate on behalf of clients in family and criminal court proceedings, as needed
Collaborate with community-based organizations, legal services providers, district attorney’s offices, other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and health care providers to improve responses to immigrant survivors
Contribute to efforts to educate the public and agencies about issues related to immigrant victims of domestic violence
Refer victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence to appropriate legal and social services
Maintain timely and accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients
Perform other project duties or special projects as directed by Director
Required Qualifications
Admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction, preferably New York
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in immigration law
Bilingual English and a relevant community language (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, etc.)
Experience working in the field, preferably in a non-profit setting, to assist survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender-based violence, and/or human trafficking
Excellent judgment and attention to detail
Strong writing and analytical skills
Strong communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Energetic and passionate about Sanctuary’s mission of ending gender-based violence and human trafficking
Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Benefits & Perks
Health, Dental and Vision InsuranceEmployer-paid life insuranceEmployer retirement contributionPaid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)Generous Leave PolicyFlexible spending account / Health savings accountStudent loan assistanceTuition reimbursement programGym reimbursement programWellness program and rewards