Immigration Staff Attorney

Summary: The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal advice and representation to eligible 32BJ members and their eligible dependents. Reporting to the Supervising Attorneys and the Director of the Legal Services Fund, the Staff Attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union’s Legal Services Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation to members in Immigration Law, before courts and related venues such as U.S. Immigration courts and USCIS
• Meet with clients to conduct intakes and determine an appropriate course of action, under the direction of the Supervising Attorneys
• Prepare immigration forms, motions, and other legal documents
• Write, review, and edit documents and correspondence
• Discuss case progress with supervisors and provide reports summarizing case status
• Obtain case records 
• Maintain ongoing contact with clients and administrative agencies through telephonic, electronic, and written communication
• Update case files timely, including, file notes, correspondence, and file records; and complete other physical and ministerial duties as necessary to maintain client files 
• Perform legal research 
• Train and supervise (work product only) legal assistants, paralegals, and legal interns
• Be familiar with substantive and procedural law in Immigration 
• Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Service Plan
• Maintain confidential materials and information associated with all clients
• Attend member information meetings under the direction of supervisory personnel, including travel as required 

Qualifications: 

• JD and authorization to practice law in any US state required
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency required
• At least 3 years of experience practicing immigration law and substantive knowledge of Immigration Law
• Ability to utilize legal software effectively for case processing, record keeping, and communication 
• Experience with ProLaw and Cerenade or other similar case management programs preferred
• Ability to electronically file documents and cases with administrative agencies and courts

Requirements:

• Ability to maintain professional appearance, workspace, and demeanor as a representative of the Legal Services Fund
• Ability to analyze complex issues and exercise sound legal judgment, with the assistance and guidance of supervising attorneys 
• Ability to appear before courts and agencies and present orally and in writing in an articulate and professional manner           
• Ability to work collaboratively and handle multiple demands in a busy environment 
• Ability to effectively communicate with members, as well as with professional, technical, and administrative workers 
• Outstanding communication, analytical, research, and writing skills
• Excellent computer skills

Work Environment:  The work environment described here is representative of the environment an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.