Staff Attorney – Newburgh, NY

Staff Attorney Position – Newburgh, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for the position of a Staff Attorney focusing on conditions of confinement for the PLS Newburgh Office.

 

About PLS

 

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.  PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation on behalf of incarcerated New Yorkers primarily in cases involving claims of deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, treatment of juveniles and veterans, child visitation and support, excessive use of force, and sentence computation issues. The PLS Immigration Unit also represents immigrants facing deportation and assists in other matters for detained immigrants.  Additionally, the Newburgh office assists individuals facing legal barriers upon re-entry to the community through our Pre-Release and Re-Entry Project.  

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking to hire attorneys who are committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.  Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York State or have recently taken the N.Y. State Bar exam. The ideal applicants will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, New York State family law, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment.  Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Conduct thorough legal intakes with clients in need
  • Represent diverse clients in various and dynamic legal areas
  • Litigate and conduct trials when necessary
  • Investigate facts through interviews and document collection
  • Advocate zealously on behalf of clients
  • Prepare a variety of legal documents for own cases as well as assist other attorneys
  • Perform legal research
  • Draft and distribute various outreach materials
  • Timely data entry in client database and other outlets
  • Manage and assign tasks to volunteers as needed
  • Report to supervising attorneys on cases, legal strategies, scheduling, and other matters
  • Work closely and collaborate with PLS’ team of experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers, and receive both hands-on and formal training
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

 

 

Qualifications

 

  • J.D. degree and admission or pending admission to New York State Bar is required
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Excellent oral and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles often under time pressure
  • Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
  • Ability to collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public
  • Fluency in Spanish is preferred
  • Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to representing vulnerable populations and knowledge of the complex and systemic issues faced by our clients
  • Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma

 

Salary and Benefits

 

PLS offers a salary that is competitive with other public interest law firms in upstate New York. The current salary range for this position is $61,000 – $78,500, depending on experience. PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

 

PLS’ 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.

 

How to Apply

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to: ypereyaslavskiy@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The positions will remain open until filled.

Staff Attorney – Immigration Unaccompanied Minors Program, Albany, NY

Staff Attorney - Immigration Unaccompanied Minors Program, Albany, NY

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is a statewide program providing civil legal services to people incarcerated in New York State prisons with regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

PLS is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons who are facing deportation. 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.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of one year experience in immigration and preferably crimmigration law; a demonstrable interest in practicing immigration law; experience in Deportation/Removal Defense; and fluency in Spanish is preferred. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration and dedicated to the job.

The Staff Attorney will provide a full range of legal services for the Unaccompanied Minors Program, including, but not limited to, consultation with clients, representation of clients in  removal hearings before immigration courts, preparation of asylum and similar applications  and representation of clients  before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals and/or  United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and representation of clients in state court proceedings for the purpose of obtaining the necessary orders for minors to qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

The Staff Attorney may also conduct legal screenings and Know Your Rights Presentations to minors detained in youth shelters.  The Staff Attorney will provide representation of clients at master calendar and merits hearings at Immigration Court and provide legal and other assistance as needed.

The Staff Attorney will also represent clients for applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration and Customs Enforcement including asylum applications, employment authorizations, U visas, T visas and adjustment of status.

The Unaccompanied Minors Program requires the Staff Attorney to represent minors who are less than 18 years of age when their case is commenced and are living with sponsors in Upstate New York.  The attorney will also be responsible for engaging in community outreach to identify minors who may be eligible for representation in this program. The Staff Attorney will be required to submit to a background check. Fluency in the Spanish language is preferred but not required. Please list all language skills and level of proficiency.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

  • JD Degree and bar admission in good standing in New York State or other state or pending admission to bar is required.
  • Experience in immigration law, family law or other litigation experience, which can include clinical or internships.
  • Strong research, writing and oral advocacy skills.
  • 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.
  • Valid New York State driver’s license
  • Willingness to travel

BENEFITS

PLSNY offers a competitive compensation and benefits package pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement including, medical, dental, short- & long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401k plan. This role may qualify for federal and/or state loan forgiveness programs. 


Salary transparency: This posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications.  The salary range for this vacancy is $68,300 to $82,782.


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 individuals or previously detained individuals are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to mdunn@plsny.org. No phone calls please. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled. 

Staff Attorney – Civil Rights Unit, Albany, New York

Staff Attorney – Civil Rights Unit, Albany, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a Staff Attorney position in its Civil Rights Unit. This position will be based in PLS’s Albany office.

 

About PLS

 

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement,
deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, excessive use of force, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to education, child visitation and support, immigration, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh.

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking to hire an attorney who is committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged. The ideal applicant will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law, family law, or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment. Typical
duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

·       Conducting thorough review and prioritization of legal intakes from incarcerated persons who are in need.

·       Representing diverse clients and providing advocacy in a variety of dynamic legal areas.

·       Litigating in state and federal courts to challenge prison determinations and/or policies.

·       Preparing legal documents both for individual cases as well as informational materials distributed to the incarcerated population.

·       Reporting to supervising attorneys on cases, developing novel legal strategies, schedule management and other matters.

·      Working in a close and collaborative environment with PLS’s team of experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers.

 

Qualifications

 

·      Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be (1) admitted to practice in New York; (2) admitted in another state and eligible for admission on motion         to the New York bar; or (3) scheduled to take the next administration of the New York bar exam.

·       Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

·       Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.

·      Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles, often involving time limits and/or deadlines.

·       Ability to work in a collaborative team model.

·       Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary, and the public.

·       Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma preferred.

·      Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred.

·      Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

 

Salary and Benefits

 

 

PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a
401(k)-retirement plan. This role may qualify for federal and/or state loan forgiveness programs.  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 $68,300 – $82,782. The specific salary offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

 

 

 

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 send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to: MDunn@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.

Immigration Staff Attorney – Legal Counsel Program, Albany, New York

Immigration Staff Attorney - Legal Counsel Program, Albany, New York

About PLS

 

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is a statewide program providing civil legal services to people incarcerated in New York State prisons with regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh.

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking a staff attorney to provide legal representation to immigrants incarcerated in New York State prisons who are facing deportation. 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. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of one year experience in immigration and preferably crimmigration law; a demonstrable interest in practicing immigration law; experience in Deportation/Removal Defense; and fluency in Spanish is preferred. The candidate should also be detailed oriented, organized, a team player, passionate about immigration and dedicated to the job.

 

The Staff Attorney will provide a full range of legal services for the Legal Counsel Program, including, but not limited to, consultation with clients, evaluation of the immigration consequences of criminal dispositions, development, and implementation of strategies on criminal-immigration issues, and representation of clients at master calendar and merits hearings at Immigration Court. The staff attorney will also be required to write briefs for appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals. The staff attorney will also represent clients for applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Legal Counsel Program operates as a Rapid Response Unit and will represent clients when they are detained or were previously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 

Qualifications

 

·       JD Degree and bar admission in good standing in New York State or other state or pending bar admission is required.

·       Experience in immigration law, which can include clinical or internships.

·       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.

·       Valid New York State drivers license

·       Willingness to travel

 

Salary and Benefits

 

PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

 

SALARY TRANSPARENCY:  This posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on the candidate’s qualifications.  The salary range for this vacancy is $68,300 to $82,782. 

 

 

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 individuals or previously detained individuals are encouraged to apply.

 

How to Apply

 

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to mdunn@plsny.org. No phone calls please. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The position will remain open until filled.

 

 

 

 

Legal Internship, Summer 2024 – Albany, NY

Legal Internship, Summer 2024 – Albany, NY

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire law school students for a Summer 2024 Legal Internship in the PLS Albany Office.


About PLS

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.  PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation on behalf of incarcerated New Yorkers primarily in cases involving claims of deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, treatment of juveniles and veterans, child visitation and support, excessive use of force, and sentence computation issues. PLS also offers limited family law assistance with child support and visitation issues unique to individuals incarcerated in New York State.


Job Description

PLS is seeking to hire interns who are committed to providing legal services to incarcerated individuals. Applicants should be law students. The internship is either in-person or hybrid (in-person and remote), so the ideal applicant would be willing to relocate to Albany, New York for the summer. Further, the internship is unpaid.


Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment. We have a need for legal interns who are fluent in Spanish.


Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Correspond with incarcerated clients via legal mail, and speak with clients on the phone or at in-person legal visits.
  • Investigate facts through interviews and document collection.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Review facts, documents, and any relevant research to develop an advocacy plan.
  • Draft advocacy letters that will be sent to personnel within the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
  • Support attorneys who are litigating cases in State and Federal Courts.


How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Elise Czuchna (she/hers) at eczuchna@plsny.org.

Part-Time Paralegal for Unaccompanied Children, Immigration Unit – Newburgh, NY

Part-Time Paralegal for Unaccompanied Children, Immigration Unit – Newburgh, NY

Overview

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 Unaccompanied Children’s Program, PLS provides free legal representation to non­citizens detained at youth shelters funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, transferred to long term foster care facilities near Newburgh, New York or released from youth shelters to reside with sponsors in the Hudson Valley and who are in or facing immigration removal proceedings. Court proceedings will be primarily venued at the Buffalo Immigration Court. Proceedings to pursue guardianships and special immigrant juvenile status will be scheduled in state courts in upstate New York.

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire an Unaccompanied Children Paralegal to work from its Immigration Unit, Albany office. The Unaccompanied Children Paralegal is a professional advocate for detained immigrant children who uses cultural competency, compassion, and training in immigration law to prepare children for successful client-attorney relationships and empowers them as respondents before immigration authorities. The Paralegal informs children about the immigration legal process and their rights in a child-friendly and trauma-informed manner. The Paralegal also conducts individual legal screenings to assist with referrals to pro bono counsel and provide follow-up services and specialized information where relevant to a child’s situation.

Responsibilities

  • Design age-appropriate Know Your Rights training materials
  • Under attorney supervision, screen unaccompanied children in ORR custody and provide them with trauma-informed, child-friendly, and age, language, and culturally appropriate legal orientations including Know Your Rights trainings and full legal screenings for immigration relief
  • Through region-wide outreach, identify, locate, and screen unaccompanied children who have been released to reside within PLS region
  • Conduct and interpret client interviews and follow-up meetings
  • Participate in regularly scheduled calls and meetings with stakeholders and team members
  • Work closely with government agencies, school districts, and social service providers to facilitate access to education, healthcare and other services
  • Prepare budgets and grant applications, maintain databases, monitor contract requirements, prepare and submit reports that accurately capture data
  • Support attorneys for completing applications and assist in preparation of court cases and applications with users
  • Interpret for clients and/or attorneys at interviews, hearings and presentations
  • Prepare written translation of documents as needed
  • Stay apprised of current legal framework relevant to orientation and interviewing related to child respondents in immigration removal proceedings, as well as current events affecting child migration from Central America and any other region commonly affecting detention facilities in New York
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Requirements

The ideal candidate must be fluent in written and verbal Spanish and English and have a demonstrated commitment to advocating on behalf of immigrant children’s rights. Experience serving Spanish and non-Spanish speaking children from Central America preferred. Experience in trauma informed care practices and case management is required. Experience working with children and guardians in Special Immigrant Juvenile Proceedings required. Candidate must be willing to pursue and submit accreditation from EOIR. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with multiple attorneys and staff members and with people of diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds. The candidate must be energetic, friendly and responsible and have demonstrated experience working independently and under pressure. The candidate must have his/her own transportation and be willing to submit to extensive background checks. Evening and weekend availability preferred. An IU Paralegal who works with minor clients must pass the background check for working with minors that is required by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Education

This position requires at least two years of paralegal experience with an immigration defense, criminal defense or legal services organization or a bachelor’s degree in human services or legal studies.

Salary and Benefits & EEO Policy

Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a part time position, but full-time opportunities may develop depending on client population needs. 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.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) references by email to: James Milstein, jmilstein@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Managing Immigration Attorney – Albany, New York

Immigration Managing Attorney – Albany, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire an Immigration Managing Attorney to work from its Albany office. The attorney will work in the Upstate Immigration Court project, wherein our team represents individuals incarcerated in New York State who are in
removal proceedings in the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP), and to individuals in immigration detention at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and the Albany and Clinton County Jails, whose
cases are calendared at the Batavia Immigration Court.


Overview
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 State Upstate Immigration Program, 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, Rensselaer, and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Downstate, Bedford Hills, and Ulster Immigration Courts, located inside the Ulster Correctional
Facility and at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.


Job Description
The Immigration Managing Attorney must be a skilled lawyer, litigator, supervisor, administrator, and trainer. The Managing Attorney is responsible for coordinated supervision and oversight of
staff in the Immigration Unit. The Managing Attorney will be required to assist with new hire orientation and training and provide ongoing support to staff, including regular case reviews and staff meetings. The Managing Attorney is expected to provide ongoing guidance in relevant areas
of substantive and procedural law in matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”), including the immigration courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal district and appellate courts; coordinate litigation; and oversee the caseloads and work product of case
handlers. The Managing Attorney is also responsible for data collection for grant funding and monitoring contract compliance; employee hiring, discipline, termination, and performance reviews; holding regular meetings with supervising attorneys and/or case handlers and paralegals;
and attending case review meetings as needed.

 

The Managing Attorney reports to the Executive Director. In addition to supervising case handlers, a Managing Attorney is expected to handle a caseload of removal defense cases, in consideration of the needs of the program and scope of the Managing Attorney’s other job responsibilities.

 

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of detained immigration removal defense experience with demonstrated additional experience in management and/or another practical legal field. The candidate must exemplify excellent interpersonal skills alongside a willingness to grow
as a leader and manager. The candidate must be able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and have a keen eye for detail, especially in relation to case reporting and data tracking.

 

Languages
Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not mandatory. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in your application.


Salary and Benefits

PLS is a unionized program offering a salary that is competitive with other public interest law firms in upstate New York, and sets salaries depending on experience.


This title is a non-union management position and is not governed by a collective bargaining agreement.


SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications. The salary range for this
vacancy is $88,000 to $105,000.


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


PLS’ 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 individuals are encouraged to apply.


Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.


How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to Sarah Spiak at sspiak@plsny.org. Include “PLS Immigration Managing Attorney” in the subject line along with your preference for office location. No phone calls please.

 

Supervising Immigration Attorney – Albany, New York

SUPERVISING IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY POSITION – Albany, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire a Supervising Immigration Attorney to work from its Albany office. The attorney will work in the Upstate Immigration Court project, wherein our team represents individuals incarcerated in New York State who are in removal proceedings in the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP), and to individuals in immigration detention at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and the Albany and Clinton County Jails, whose cases are calendared at the Batavia Immigration Court.

 

Overview

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 State Upstate Immigration Program, 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, Rensselaer, and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Downstate, Bedford Hills, and Ulster Immigration Courts, located inside the Ulster Correctional Facility and at the Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

 

Job Description

The Supervising Immigration Attorney must be a skilled advocate, litigator, supervisor, administrator, and trainer. A Supervising Attorney is responsible for supervising a team of case handlers and paralegals. The Supervising Attorney will be required to assist with new hire orientation and training and provide ongoing support to staff. The Supervising Attorney is expected to provide ongoing guidance in relevant areas of substantive and procedural law in matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”), including the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals; directly oversee the caseloads of case handlers; and assist the Managing Attorney with staff evaluations, reviews, and day-to-day office operations. The Supervising Attorney’s duties include conducting regular case review meetings and direct supervision of case handlers; coordinating with Managing Attorney(s) to provide trainings and guidance on complex areas of substantive/procedural law as they arise; maintaining an internal log of cases handled and case handler assignments and overseeing case tracking; and assisting with data collection. The Supervising Attorney reports to the Managing Attorney. In addition to supervising case handlers, a Supervising Attorney is expected to handle a caseload of removal defense cases, the size of which will be determined by the Managing Attorney, considering the scope of the Supervising Attorney’s other job responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of detained immigration removal defense experience and exemplify excellent interpersonal skills alongside a willingness to grow as a leader and manager. The candidate will have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and have a keen eye for detail, especially in relation to case reporting and data tracking.

 

Languages
Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred but not mandatory. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in your application.
Salary and Benefits PLS is a unionized program offering a salary that is competitive with other public interest law
firms in upstate New York, and sets salaries depending on experience.

 

This title is a non-union management position, and is not governed by a collective bargaining agreement.


SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications. The salary range for this vacancy is $77,000 to $95,000.


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


PLS’ 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 individuals are encouraged to apply.


Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.


How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to Jillian Nowak at jnowak@plsny.org. Include “PLS Supervising Immigration Attorney” in the subject line along with your preference for office location. No phone calls please.

Immigration Staff Attorneys – Albany, Buffalo & Newburgh, NY

Immigration Staff Attorney Positions – Albany & Buffalo, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire an immigration attorney to work from
its Albany, Buffalo, or Newburgh offices. The attorney will provide legal representation to
individuals incarcerated in New York State who are in removal proceedings in the Institutional Hearing
Program (IHP), and to individuals in immigration detention at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and
the Albany and Clinton County Jails, whose cases are calendared at the Batavia Immigration Court.

Overview
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 State Upstate Immigration Program, 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,
Rensselaer, and Clinton County Jails. These proceedings take place at the Bedford Hills and Ulster
Immigration Courts, located inside New York State correctional facilities in upstate New York and at the
Batavia Immigration Court in Batavia, NY.

Job Description
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. At the time of application, applicants must be admitted to a state bar (New York
preferred, but not required) or be a law school graduate awaiting bar admission.

Languages
Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Please note all language skills and level of proficiency in
your application.

Salary and Benefits
PLS is a unionized program offering a salary that is competitive with other public interest law firms in
upstate New York, and sets salaries depending on experience.

This title is a union position, and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The
specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications. The salary range for this vacancy is
$68,300 to $82,782.

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

PLS 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 individuals are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Multiple positions are available.

How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references email to: Jillian
Nowak, Prisoners’ Legal Services of NY, at jnowak@plsny.org. Include “PLS Immigration Attorney” in the subject line along with your preference for office location. No phone calls please.

Staff Attorney Position – Civil Rights Unit – Buffalo, New York

Staff Attorney Position - Civil Rights Unit - Buffalo, New York

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for a Staff Attorney position in its Civil Rights Unit. This position will be based in PLS’ Buffalo office.


About PLS

 

 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 engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, excessive use of force, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to education, child visitation and support, immigration, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking to hire an attorney who is committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged. The ideal applicant will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law, family law, or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment. Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting thorough review and prioritization of legal intakes from incarcerated persons who are in need
  • Representing diverse clients and providing advocacy in a variety of dynamic legal areas
  • Litigating in State and Federal Courts to challenge prison determinations and/or policies, including trials when necessary
  • Preparing legal documents both for individual cases as well as informational material distributed to the incarcerated population
  • Reporting to supervising attorneys on cases, developing novel legal strategies, schedule management and other matters
  • Working in a close and collaborative environment with PLS’ team of

experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers.


Qualifications

 

  • Applicants must have a D. degree and be (1) admitted to practice in New York or, (2) admitted in another state and eligible for admission on motion to the New York bar, or (3) scheduled to take the next administration of the New York bar exam.
  • Strong research, writing and analytical skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to work independently
  • Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles, often involving time limits and/or deadlines
  • Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
  • Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public
  • Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma preferred
  • Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred
  • Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required
 

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 $68,300 – $82,782 The specific salary offer will be dependent on candidate 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’ 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 send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to: MDunn@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The positions will remain open until filled.