Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney, Immigration Unit

Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney, Immigration Unit - Albany or Buffalo, NY

JOB TITLE : Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney
LOCATION : Albany/Buffalo, New York

CLASSIFICATION : Non-exempt, union membership position

REPORTS TO : Litigation Coordinator
SALARY RANGE : $82,136- $88,913- Salary commensurate with experience.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a federal
litigation and appellate attorney position in its Immigration Unit. This position involves a split
workload that will include litigating federal habeas claims a s well as other immigration
related matters in administrative and federal courts. The position may be located in
either the Albany or Buffalo PLS offices.

About PLS
PLS is a non -profit legal services organization which provides civil legal services to indigent
and incarcerated individuals in New York State correctional facilities. Founded in 1976, in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh. The
PLS Immigration Unit provides representation to noncitizens who are adults and minors placed in
removal proceedings. PLS’ Immigration Unit engages in representation of clients in immigration
court hearings, state court proceedings, appeals and litigation. The Immigration Unit also assists
clients prepare and present asylum applications, petitions for special immigrant juvenile status
and applications with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Job Description
PLS immigration unit attorneys provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New
York State prisons or federal detention centers who are facing deportation. In general, we seek to
minimize the harsh and disproportionate immigration consequences of contact with the criminal
justice system by providing highly qualified and competent representation to immigrants facing
deportation. For the present position, PLS is seeking a Federal Litigation and Appellate
Attorney who, in addition to the immigration related matters listed above, will also litigate
immigration related habeas claims which challenge the lawfulness of a noncitizen’s detention. Such
petitions may include, but are not limited to, contesting the legal basis for an immigrant’s
detention , opposing an immigrant client’s prolonged and indefinite imprisonment, as well as their
exposure to impermissible detention conditions. This position will report to the PLS Immigration
Unit Litigation Coordinator.

The ideal candidate should have administrative and /or federal district court experience,
substantively focused on ‘crimimmigration’ law. The candidate should also be detailed oriented,
organized, a team player, passionate about immigration law and dedicated to providing legal
services to the disadvantaged.

Qualifications

• JD Degree and bar admission in good standing with New York State or another state is

required

• Three years of experience in immigration removal defense and /or federal district court

litigation preferred, federaldistrict court work in immigration specific matters preferred

• Experience arguing before federal judicial benches or similar high -pressure interrogation

settings required

• Strong research and legal writing skills required
• Experience working with indigent communities and detained individuals strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and social justice issues
• Ability to work in a respectful, non-judgmental manner
• Exceptional organization, written and oral communication skills; ability to timely respond to

and balance numerous requests for assistance

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to fulfill job functions
• Fluency in Spanish and other languages strongly preferred

Salary and Benefits
PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $82,136- $88,913. The specific salary offer will be dependent on the candidate’s qualifications, including collectively
bargained salary steps for unionized roles. PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package
including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement
plan.

PLS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination
because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information,
marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or
any other status protected by applicable law. Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email
to [email protected] . Include “PLS Immigration Unit Federal Litigation and Appellate Attorney
position” in the subject line. No phone calls please.