Hiring – Immigration Staff Attorneys

IMMIGRATION STAFF ATTORNEYS

We are seeking to fill several full-time positions based in the Batavia, NY office of the Immigration Program of the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) to handle our work under the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) contract at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, and some WNY county jails which hold immigrant women.

The ideal candidates will be admitted to practice law, have at least one year experience in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings, and want a career in litigation defending low-income immigrants detained at the Batavia Federal Detention Facility who are subject to removal for a variety of reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays. The ability to speak both Spanish and English fluently is very highly preferred. In the alternative, fluency in French and Mandarin are also very desirable.  If the potential candidate possesses two or more years of immigration litigation experience but does not speak a language other than English, s/he is also encouraged to apply.

Also required are strong organizational skills to track and report required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner; an ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors; the means and willingness to travel between the Buffalo office and the Batavia office, and to county jails in the eight counties of Western New York, as needed (a driver’s license is required); strong oral and written advocacy skills; a willingness to work independently while also taking direction and operating as part of a team; the organizational ability required to juggle many cases efficiently; and the flexibility to handle other tasks which the attorney may be called upon to handle at VLP, such as community outreach and education.

Please send a resume, a cover letter clearly explaining your interest and qualifications for this position, and contact information for 3 references to: Robert M. Elardo, Executive Director/CEO, ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. 438 Main St, 7th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202 or relardo@ecbavlp.com  There is an immediate need. Please apply ASAP.

For information on VLP, see www.ecbavlp.com

VLP is an equal opportunity employer. Salary is based on experience. VLP is a non-profit agency with excellent fringe benefits including fully paid health insurance, a cafeteria plan for dependent care and parking costs, long term disability insurance, life insurance, and generous leave time. The work atmosphere is congenial, respectful and flexible.