Job Description

Staff Attorney, Immigration at Sanctuary For Families summary:

The Staff Attorney for Immigration at Sanctuary for Families provides legal representation and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking in immigration matters, including asylum cases. This role involves collaboration with pro bono counsel, community outreach, and systems advocacy to empower immigrant survivors and ensure comprehensive legal support. The position requires expertise in immigration law, strong communication skills, and a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent legal assistance.

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

(2 available positions)

The Staff Attorney is a key position within Sanctuary for Families’ Immigration Intervention Project (IIP) , a legal services project that represents thousands of survivors of domestic violence, other forms of gender based violence, and human trafficking in a broad range of immigration matters. 

The Staff Attorney will work within Sanctuary for Families’ Gender-Based Asylum Rapid Response Initiative , a project within IIP which delivers high quality, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent legal assistance and representation to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and/or other forms of gender-based violence seeking U.S. asylum. The Staff Attorney’s focus will be representing survivors of gender-based violence in their asylum and related cases, as well working with pro bono teams at partner law firms in representing immigrant survivors in these cases. Other responsibilities may include conducting community outreach and education, and collaborating with other agencies and community-based organizations, to best assist and empower immigrant survivors seeking asylum and to advocate on their behalf with systems affecting their lives. The IIP operates from 5 different locations in New York City; this Staff Attorney works out of the Manhattan office. 

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 advocate and 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, and to educate and provide technical assistance on issues relating to immigrant clients.
• Contribute to Sanctuary’s efforts to educate the public, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and elected officials about issues related to immigrant victims of domestic violence; develop written materials and curriculum for such purposes.
• Refer victims of domestic violence and gender based violence to appropriate legal and social services within and outside of Sanctuary for Families;
• Maintain timely and accurate records in electronic database of current and potential clients;
• Perform other project duties or special projects as directed by Director. 

• 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.

Budgeted Salary: $79,962 - $92,834 per year; based on experience pursuant to STEP wage scale in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement

Work position is Full-time (standard 35 hours/week); Salaried/ Exempt

Work schedule is currently Hybrid; must be able to meet job location schedule obligation

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off (Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick)
• Generous Leave Policy
• Flexible spending account / Health savings account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program
• Wellness program and rewards

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Keywords:

immigration law, asylum representation, gender-based violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, legal advocacy, pro bono collaboration, trauma-informed legal services, community outreach, immigrant rights

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