Supervising Immigration Attorney, Immigration Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Supervising Attorney(s) to join the detained removal defense team within our Immigration Practice.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

BDS’s Immigration Practice is a collaborative team of over 80 staff members. Attorneys on the detained removal defense team represent low-income noncitizens held in immigration jails before immigration courts in New York City and elsewhere. Attorneys also represent noncitizens in non-detained removal proceedings, applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal circuit courts, and habeas corpus and mandamus actions before federal district courts.

Under the direct supervision of an Associate Director of the Immigration Practice, the Supervising Attorney will provide daily substantive supervision to both new and experienced detained removal defense attorneys. The Supervising Attorney will carry a reduced caseload and will have the opportunity to participate in federal litigation and circuit court appeals if desired.

Responsibilities

• Regularly meet with supervisees for individual case supervision to review cases and identify issues.
• Review supervisees’ written work and provide feedback.
• Attend detained and non-detained individual hearings and other court appearances to provide guidance and feedback.
• Supervise all aspects of law graduate and new attorney casework, including entering appearances in immigration court when necessary, participating in client calls and witness preparation, and accompanying supervisees to meet with clients at immigration detention facilities in New York and New Jersey.
• Teach and coach attorneys to help them grow their knowledge, skills, and further their professional development.
• Assist in the development of team-wide trainings.
• Evaluate attorney performance both formally and informally and regularly provide appropriate feedback.
• Know and apply BDS policies and procedures, including personnel and office policies.
• Ensure supervisees maintain up to date case notes and records in the case and document management systems.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• New York State Bar admission or Bar admission in any U.S. state or territory and ability to obtain admission in NYS.
• 4+ years of removal defense experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centered representation.
• Ability and desire to train, teach, and help staff attorneys reach their full potential as effective advocates for their clients.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate and connect with people with varied backgrounds, identities and experiences.
• Desire to work effectively and collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff members both within the Immigration practice and throughout BDS as a whole.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Adept at navigating case and document management systems.

Position Information 

This is an exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices. Supervisors are working on a hybrid basis including both remote and in-person days.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $ 130,000-$150,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions    

Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We are seeking to fill this position(s) as soon as possible.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, HR, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @bds.org.