Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking the immediate hire of immigration attorneys in its Albany, Buffalo or Newburgh offices. Attorneys will provide free legal representation to individuals incarcerated in New York State in removal proceedings in the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP), and to individuals in immigration detention at the Albany and Clinton County Jails, whose cases are calendared at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

As part of the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP), PLS provides free legal representation to non-citizens incarcerated in New York State prison facing immigration removal proceedings under the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) and individuals in immigration detention at the Albany and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Bedford Hills, Downstate, and Ulster Immigration Courts, located inside New York State correctional facilities in upstate New York and at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

The ideal candidate would have strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills; the ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic team environment; excellent organizational skills; and a commitment to serving indigent clients convicted of crimes. Clinical or professional background in immigration and / or criminal law is preferred.

Fluency in Spanish is preferred. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in your application.

Salary is commensurate with experience. PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. 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.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three (3) references by mail or email to: Sarah Spiak, Prisoners’ Legal Services of NY, 41 State St., Suite M112, Albany, NY 12207 or to sspiak@plsny.org. Include “PLS Immigration Attorney” in the subject line along with your preference for office location. No phone calls please.